The Green Pastures (1929)/Part 2/Scene 8
Scene VIII
It is the same setting as the Fish Fry Scene in Part I. The same angels are present but the Choir, instead of marching, is standing in a double row on an angle upstage right. God is seated in an armchair near center. He faces the audience. As the Choir continues to sing, Gabriel enters, unnoticed by the chattering angels. He looks at God who is staring thoughtfully toward the audience.
Gabriel
You look a little pensive, Lawd. [God nods his head.] Have a seegar, Lawd?
God
No thanks, Gabriel.
[Gabriel goes to the table, accepts a cup of custard; chats with the angel behind the table for a moment as he sips, puts the cup down and returns to the side of God.]
Gabriel
You look awful pensive, Lawd. You been sittin’ yere, lookin’ dis way, an awful long time. Is it somethin’ serious, Lawd?
God
Very serious, Gabriel.
Gabriel
[Awed by His tone.] Lawd, is de time come for me to blow?
God
Not yet, Gabriel. I’m just thinkin’.
Gabriel
What about, Lawd? [Puts up hand. Singing stops.]
God
Bout somethin’ de boy tol’ me. Somethin’ ’bout Hosea, and himself. How dey foun’ somethin’.
Gabriel
What, Lawd?
God
Mercy. [A pause.] Through sufferin’, he said.
Gabriel
Yes, Lawd.
God
I’m tryin’ to find it, too. It’s awful impo’tant. It’s awful impo’tant to all de people on my earth. Did he mean dat even God must suffer?
[God continues to look out over the audience for a moment and then a look of surprise comes into his face. He sighs. In the distance a voice cries.]
The Voice
Oh, look at him! Oh, look, dey goin’ to make him carry it up dat high hill! Dey goin’ to nail him to it! Oh, dat’s a terrible burden for one man to carry!
[God rises and murmurs “Yes!” as if in recognition. The heavenly beings have been watching him closely, and now, seeing him smile gently, draw back, relieved. All the angels burst into “Hallelujah, King Jesus.” God continues to smile as the lights fade away. The singing becomes fortissimo.
CURTAIN