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Scene 2

            Storyteller

Sworn to secrecy and in great despair, Father Louis Paschal returned to the monastery in Sevilla. His ideals to be the next pope and his desire to change the Church’s intolerant views had been dashed to pieces. Only on the direct orders of Pope Innocent VIII was his life spared by the relentless and unforgiving Inquisitor General Tomas de Torquemada. Now, these tragic events would be enough for any one story. But there is more to be told. 

It is late summer in the year of our Lord, fourteen hundred eighty-six. Two years have passed as Father Paschal continued his ministry to the village. Most were surprised when he returned from Vatican City. They had believed he would be elected the successor of Sixtus IV. His refusal to reveal any details led many to wonder and try to imagine the secret doings of the Holy See. Not only was he not chosen, but the good Father had become serious and solemn. He was a changed man. It was as if his spirit had been broken. 

Many of the village showed concern for Father Paschal. None the least was Beatriz Enriquex de Arana. Watch as she timidly approaches the bishop. 

            Beatriz

Excuse me, Father. I have brought thee bread.

            Louis

Thank you, Beatriz. Place it on the table.

            Beatriz

Father, may I speak with candor?

            Louis

In times like these, truthfulness is not appreciated. In fact, it can be quite dangerous.

            Beatriz

Then I will not speak.

            Louis

My deepest apologies, dear Beatriz. Any thing you say will stay with me.

            Beatriz

Father, I know my love for you is stronger than any you have for me. But, for two years now, you’ve had a sadness that all can plainly see.

            Louis

It is a gloom that will never heal. A sadness of the heart is what I feel.

            Beatriz

Father, love cures all. No matter how big. No matter how small.

            Louis

But dear, Beatriz, love is my disease. There is no remedy for me.

            Beatriz

If only you had such love for me!

            Louis

I am deeply sorry, faithful one. The love I have lost can never be replaced. Death has touched. It has sealed my fate.

            Beatriz

You have lost love and I have lost thee.

            Louis

Beatriz, you well know I have a fondness, too. But I’ve never confessed love. Not to you.

            Beatriz

This I am aware. Though you don’t love, at least you care.

            Louis

Let time work its magic and then you will see. Love be nearby and it is waiting for thee.

            Beatriz (stepping to the side)

I will wait, Father. I will wait.

--I Bare My Love

            Louis

♫ I bare my love, I bare my soul,

I’d share my love but it’s grown cold.

There is no one to share with me a life of joy and serenity.

I bare my love, I bare my heart,

I’ve shared my love, I’ve done my part.

There is nothing else I can tell, no cure to make my heart feel well.

I bare it all, I bare my love,

I pray to God, way up above, 

Send a miracle remedy and take this pain away from me. 

I pray.

I pray as I bare my love! ♫

            Beatriz (from the side)

♫ I bare my love, I bare my soul,

I’d share my love but it’s grown cold.

There is no one to share with me a life of joy and serenity.

I bare my love, I bare my heart,

I’ve shared my love, I’ve done my part.

There is nothing else I can tell, no cure to make my heart feel well.

I bare it all, I bare my love,

I pray to God, way up above, 

Send a miracle remedy and take this pain away from me. 

I pray.

I pray as I bare my love! ♫

            Louis & Beatriz

♫ I bare it all, I bare my love,

I pray to God, way up above, 

Send a miracle remedy and take this pain away from me. 

I pray.

I pray as I bare my love! 

I bare—my—love—. ♫

            Cristoforo (approaching Louis)

Pardon me, Father. May I have council with you?

            Louis

Cristoforo! How does the world treat you today?

            Cristoforo

As well as I’m accustom. Friar Marchena sends his regards. 

            Louis

Ah, dear Friar Marchena. I pray he’s well.

            Cristoforo

Yes, very well. He has become a dear friend since we share the same vision.

            Louis

Your vision of sailing to the east by going west?

            Cristoforo

Indeed, Father. I know I am right. The Friar and I spent many nights under the stars at La Rabida debating and making my plans.

            Louis

Queen Isabella has smiled with favor on you.

            Cristoforo

Yes, but that is all. The war with the Muslims takes most of the king’s attention.

            Louis

He has little time for other matters?

            Cristoforo

Indeed. He is determined to finish this war that was begun centuries ago. I only pray the end comes quickly.

            Louis

Are ye able to live until then?

            Cristoforo

Yes, thanks to the graciousness of the queen. She provides for me while I stay here in Sevilla. But I have this eagerness to begin my quest.

            Louis

And what of thy own needs?

            Cristoforo

It has been hard since Felipa died. Our son Diego misses his mother and so do I. He is such a tender age.

            Louis

He needs a mother and you need a comforter.

            Cristoforo

Alas, there is no one.

            Louis (directing Cristoforo’s attention toward Beatriz in the distance)

There is a fair maiden.            

            Cristoforo

Such beauty cannot be alone. 

            Louis

She is alone and ripe for the taking.

            Cristoforo

Shyness prevents me. Father, will you intercede?

            Louis

For you, my friend.

(Calls to Beatriz)

Beatriz, will you join me and my friend?

            Beatriz (approaching the two men)

Yes, Father?

            Louis

Have you become acquainted with my friend, Cristoforo Colombo?

            Beatriz

No, Father.

            Louis

Cristoforo, this is the fair maiden Beatriz Enriquex de Arana.

            Cristoforo

A vision of beauty!

            Beatriz

Thou flatter this lowly peasant.

            Louis

Cristoforo has come from the royal court.

            Beatriz

You have met King Ferdinand? And Queen Isabella?

            Louis

Indeed, he has. The Queen is maintaining his expenses while he resides in our fair village.

            Cristoforo

The Father brags of me too much. I am but a humble explorer awaiting to prove my theories.

            Louis

Beatriz, please show Cristoforo our fair village and countryside. After all, he is an explorer.

            Cristoforo

Will the maiden honor me?

            Louis

And Cristoforo shall tell thee of the royal court.

            Beatriz (taking Cristoforo’s arm)

I beg, please tell me all about the King and Queen.

            Cristoforo (following Beatriz’s lead as they leave the monastery)

I shall, but let us see the city. I have already partaken of its beauty.

            Louis (watching the two leave)

Ah, the seed has been planted. Love will surely grow.

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