For One Alone: The Story of Eve

For One Alone

Jim Pappas
©1986

CAST LIST

Christ: Portrayed as kind, loving and gentle. Preferably played by a man of greater stature than Adam and Eve.

Narrator: A voice over.

Adam: A gentle man capable of great sorrow.

Eve: Vivacious, lively, curious, naive.

Satan: Witty, charming, happy, quick thinking, subtle.

PROP LIST

A long, carpet-covered box approximately 2'x6'x8''.
Eve wears a long peach colored silken dress. Over it she wears a diaphanous veil-like covering.

SYNOPSIS

Scene One: Narration from Genesis describing the creation of man, accompanied by mime, and music.

Scene Two: A detailed argument wherein the serpent seduces the woman into believing that disobedience is the highest form of obedience.

Scene Three: The action diverges from the Genesis account in order to ask and answer the question: "What would God have done had only Eve sinned?" In the account, Adam refuses to betray his God and Eve alone is given the option of salvation.

COMMENTS

For the most part this play is designed to use the offstage focus of Readers Theatre. However there are certain portions that may work best using onstage focus.

This is probably one of my most powerful plays. I have directed it many times over the years and it has proven to be a great blessing in churches and schools throughtout Northern California.

FOR ONE ALONE:
THE STORY OF EVE

Jim Pappas

Scene One
Narration & Mime

Narrator: (voice over in darkness) "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.-

(pantomime of God on His knees working on something behind the long box)

Narrator: "and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life - and man became a living soul. -

(God raises the man up who immediately falls at His feet. God lifts him to his feet and then shows him the many aspects of the garden. This portion of mime may be as long or short as your creativity, music and sound effects allow)

Narrator: And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him...and the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept..."

(God passes his hand over Adam's head and he becomes drowsy and lays down on the carpeted box to sleep. God kneels behind the box reaching over Eve who has been planted here earlier. He mimes removing a rib -
Narrator: "...and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman..." -

and then stands to look down at the beauty of His craftsmanship. He then reaches down and offers Eve His hand. From behind the box a hand gracefully rises and reaches towards the hand of God. He keeps his hand about 4 inches away and seems to draw her up with an invisible cord. This motion on Eve's part should be smooth and ballet like and should take her directly to a kneeling position before God. He then lifts her to her feet without touching her. He shows her Adam sleeping on the box and she is captivated with wonder. She touches his nose and then reaches up to compare her own. She does the same with his ears and hair. When she touches his cheek he stirs and she starts back in mild alarm. At this point God gently takes her arm and moves her to Adam's feet where He beckons her to stay. This she does with great reluctance. God then wakens Adam who again bows at His feet. He raises him up and then shows him Eve.

Narrator: "...and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

He is amazed (as is she) and is at a loss for words or actions. After staring at each other for a time God brings them together, joins their hands, places His hand on their heads and as they bow mimes words of blessing on the first wedding.. He then shows them the entire garden and indicates that it is all theirs. He points to one spot, however, and tells them not to eat. The smile agreement. Then He quietly exits as they gaze into each others eyes. They do not notice His departure
All the while music has been providing background, rising, falling and changing to fit the moods of the mime and narration.
Now the two of them explore the wonders of the garden. Adam brings animals to show Eve. He shows her a flower and teaches her to smell its fragrance. He give her a fruit but she has no idea of what to do with it. She smells it and he tells her to do more. She touches it, shakes it, listens to it, touches it with her tongue and then turns to him in puzzlement. Adam takes it and takes a bite and then encourages her to do the same. She does and it is wonderful. He brings her a banana and she takes a bite only to find it bitter. He takes it from her and shows her how to peel it.
Adam turns to pick another type of fruit. While his back is turned Eve notices the lovely fruit on the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As she moves towards it, Satan, who stands there comes alert to the approach of his prey. His movements are smooth and flowing. .
Adam notices where she is headed and stops her. He indicates that they may have fruit from all of the garden but that they are not to touch this one tree or go near it. Eve looks at the tree for a brief moment, shrugs as if to say, "No problem" and then joins Adam to continue exploring the garden.

Scene Two

(Lights come up on a solitary Eve wandering thought the garden. She eventually wanders to center stage right, somewhat near the forbidden tree)

Eve: (Recorded voice over - her face and behavior should reflect the recorded thoughts) Oh, where is Adam? (She looks around) Ah, there he is making a giant leafy arch into the great reflecting pool. He is so handsome.
Christ: (Voice Over) Eve, there is danger. Go back.

Eve: (Voice Over) Eve must return. (She takes a few steps in return) But why? What is she afraid of?

Christ: (Voice Over) There is danger!

Eve: (Voice Over) Yes, yes, the angels told us to stay together to protect each other from Satan. But Satan is an angel, and if she sees an angel unknown, she shall flee from him.

Christ: (Voice Over - louder) There is danger!

Eve: (Voice Over) But Eve has enough wisdom and strength to resist evil. She will stay for but a moment.

Christ: (Voice Over - Insistent) Flee!

Eve: (Voice Over) Shhh! 'Tis just for a moment.

Christ: (Voice Over - pleading) Eve!

Eve: (Voice Over) Shhh! (She idles over to the forbidden tree and gazes up into its branches with wonder) My! Such a lovely tree. And such lovely fruit! Eve wonders why God has forbidden us to eat of it?

Satan: (Portrayed throughout as gentle, kind, wise, and desirous of Eve's best good.) Yea? Has God really said that you may not eat of all of the trees in the garden?

Eve: Who speaks to Eve?

Satan: Anyone who may. For in all of God's creation, there is no communion so sweet as that with Eve.

Eve: Such words are soft to her ears. They please Eve.

Satan: It is the desire of all of God's universe to please our lovely queen.

Eve: But who speaks? Adam works over yonder, and 'tis not time for God or the angels to visit.

Satan: 'Tis I.

Eve: Who? Eve sees no one.

Satan: Lovely Eve looks too near the earth. Lift up her eyes. (Eve looks up and sees the serpent) Hello.

Eve: It is you, O lacy-winged, golden serpent?

Satan: I have waited many years to be thus alone with you, lovely Eve.

Eve: It is the serpent!

Satan: Aye, 'tis the serpent.

Eve: But serpents cannot speak!

Satan: Who told you so?

Eve: God told us that only Adam and Eve could think or speak.

Satan: But what do you hear?

Eve: Words. Soft words from the mouth of a serpent.

Satan: This is to show you that God does not always tell Eve all of the truth, all at once.

Eve: Do you call God a liar!?

Satan: God cannot lie.

Eve: But you said...

Satan: I only said that God does not tell all of the truth all at once. That is very different from lying.

Eve: Oh.

Satan: For example, does He not teach you science in the cool of each day?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: And does not each lesson teach thee new wonders totally unthought of the day before?

Eve: Oh, yes. Yesterday He taught us how plants can combine simple sunshine with elements from the ground to make such delicious fruit. Do you know?

Satan: You speak of photosynthesis.

Eve: Yes! But how do you know these things? I thought that only Adam and Eve were able...

Satan: And you thought that in all the earth only Adam and Eve could speak.

Eve: (Puzzled) Yes...

Satan: You are learning something new, aren't you, my lovely?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: You see! Truth is a living thing, ever growing, ever new.

Eve: Yes. But you have not answered my question. How is it that you can speak?

Satan: I.....Hmmm...

Eve: What?

Satan: I don't know.

Eve: Don't know what?

Satan: I don't know if I should unveil so much truth all at once. You may not be able to bear it.

Eve: Why? Will it hurt Eve?

Satan: Hurt her! Oh, Eve, my love! No! A thousand times, no! What I have to share will only do you great good.

Eve: Then Eve can bear it.

Satan: No...It might be most wise for you to come back another time.

Eve: She can bear it!

Satan: For what I would teach you, you must be brave.

Eve: Eve is brave!

Satan: Why do you think so?

Eve: Uh...Has she not chosen to part from her husband even though the voice spoke of danger?

Satan: I hadn't thought of that. Then, yes. Yes, you are brave.

Eve: Then tell her.

Satan: Very well. I shall tell you. But we must hurry.

Eve: Why?

Satan: Because soon Satan will return to this place.

Eve: You saw him go?

Satan: Of course. How else would I have courage to come to this wondrous place?

Eve: You have actually seen Satan?

Satan: Haven't you?

Eve: Oh, no! The angels told us that Satan could only speak to us near this tree. We have never come here.

Satan: Ah, very wise of you. He is most subtle and very dangerous. I myself come here only when he is away.

Eve: Like now?

Satan: Like now. But he will return soon, so we have not much time.

Eve: Then you must hurry.

Satan: Yes, but do not fear. My keen ears can hear him coming from far away.

Eve: Oh, good. But do go on.

Satan: All right. But first a question: Has God really forbidden you to eat from all of the trees of the Garden?

Eve: No, silly serpent! We may freely eat of all of the trees of the garden - hundreds of them! Except...this one.

Satan: This one?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Why this one?

Eve: Eve doesn't know. She was wondering that herself.

Satan: What did God say about this tree?

Eve: God said,"Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

Satan: Die!?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Ye shall not surely die!

Eve: But God said...

Satan: I know, I know. But truth is progressive, yes?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: And God does not always tell you all the truth, all at once, yes?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: (He pretends that the words are hard to say) God...God......God......

Eve: Yes? Go on.

Satan: Now, how can I say this without sounding rebellious?

Eve: Just say it.

Satan: Well...all right. But you must give me an opportunity to explain.

Eve: Of course.

Satan: God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Eve: He does?

Satan: Of course! Why do you think He put Satan here to guard this tree?

Eve: Guard it!

Satan: Yes, guard it.

Eve: Eve has never thought of that.

Satan: Neither had I, for many a year. But then there came creeping into my mind the thought that one does not put such a mighty guardian around a mere fruit tree.

Eve: Hmmm. Is there something here that God does not want Eve to know?

Satan: So it might seem. But, in fact, it is something He does want you to know. With all His heart.

Eve: What is it?

Satan: Why, 'tis the knowledge of good...

Eve: Eve knows good.

Satan: ...and evil.

Eve: What is evil?

Satan: Ah, evil. Such a mysterious substance.

Eve: But what is it?

Satan: Evil is...uh...the balance of good.

Eve: Eve is confused.

Satan: Well, uh...Look about you. Everywhere there is balance. Bees need flowers - flowers need bees. Day follows night - night follows day. For every up, there is a down - for every left, there is a right. It is the same with good. It is balanced by evil.

Eve: Is evil good?

Satan: Of course not! It is evil.

Eve: But what is evil? Tell Eve how it feels.

Satan: Evil is such a thing as cannot be described, dear Eve - only experienced.

Eve: How?

Satan: By coming to this tree...by smelling the fragrant blossoms. Ah, delightful! Don't they smell good, Eve?

Eve: (Smelling) Oh, yes.

Satan: I notice that you are breathing a bit faster, and there is an excited manner about you.

Eve: Yes. Eve feels just like when she swings on a high vine into the river or stands on the whale's back as he races the dolphins.

Satan: And this is just from smelling the blossoms, Eve! Just from smelling! Think what power will flow when you touch the magic fruit!

Eve: But how could one simple tree do so much for Eve?

Satan: Look at the tree of life. Does it not give you the power to live forever?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: As the tree of life opens the way to eternal life, so does this tree of knowledge show you the way to infinite wisdom. It is part of the balance.

Eve: But we gain new knowledge every day from God and from the angels. No doubt God will teach us all the good things and then someday teach us of evil.

Satan: No, Eve. Evil is something that God will never teach you.

Eve: Why?

Satan: It is reserved only for those who would be gods.

Eve: Like the Master?

Satan: Just like the Master.

Eve: Then Eve would like to be a god.

Satan: Oh, I don't know, Eve. To become a god is only for the very brave.

Eve: Has anyone done it?

Satan: Only one.

Eve: Who?

Satan: The speaking serpent.

Eve: You?

Satan: I!

Eve: You are a god?!

Satan: Yes! I am a god! I know of mysteries that you cannot even dream of in your mortal state.

Eve: Eve too covets this knowledge. How may she attain to it?

Satan: Are you sure you want to know?

Eve: Oh, yes. Tell her. How?

Satan: In the same way I did.

Eve: How?

Satan: By passing God's ordained test, of course!

Eve: Which test?

Satan: The test of courageous independence.

Eve: Eve knows nothing of such a test.

Satan: Only the very brave even learn of it.

Eve: And how does one pass this test?

Satan: One comes to this tree...

Eve: Eve has come.

Satan: One smells the enchanted blossoms...

Eve: She has smelled.

Satan: One touches the golden fruit...Like this. (The serpent works himself into such a position that he can move towards her and force her against the trunk of the tree)

Eve: Oh, my.

Satan: Don't be afraid, Eve. (Standing back as if surprised) Say! Aren't you leaning against the silvery trunk?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Didn't you tell me that God told you not to touch it.

Eve: (Drawing back from the tree in fear) Oh!

Satan: Don't be afraid, Eve.

Eve: But God said Eve would die.

Satan: But hasn't she eaten of the Tree of Life?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Then how could Eve possibly die?

Eve: Eve is confused.

Satan: Don't you see? God's words were only symbolic!

Eve: Symbolic? What does that mean?

Satan: It means that God did not intend you to understand that Eve herself would die. Only that her ignorance of evil would perish.

Eve: That's all?

Satan: Of course! Eve herself is immortal. And, having once passed this test, she will become one of the gods. The omniscient queen of heaven, riding a fiery chariot through the flaming corridors of Orion.

Eve: Eve would like that! To know everything!

Satan: God would like that! And to help you do that, He has given this tree.

Eve: Then to eat of this tree will make Eve as a god?

Satan: Yes.

Eve: But why didn't God just say so?

Satan: Then what kind of mental test would that have been? There is not an angel or animal in the universe that could not pass such a test as that.

Eve: Hmmm...

Satan: To become as God is no light thing, Eve. It is reserved only for those bright enough to see God's test, and, brave enough to pass it. (Picking the fruit and handing it to her) Here, take the fruit.

Eve: Oh, Eve doesn't know yet. That would be to disobey God.

Satan: Of course. To disobey God is the test.

Eve: Why?

Satan: Do you think that God wants as His companion someone without initiative, someone afraid to go against Him? No! He wants someone to discuss with, to wrestle minds with, to disagree with... Someone bright and brave...Someone independent...Someone...like you.

Eve: Oh, it sounds so good. If only Eve could be sure.

Satan: Eve.

Eve: Yes?

Satan: How does Eve suppose I learned to think?

Eve: She doesn't know.

Satan: I did what you have done.

Eve: What?

Satan: I,. like you, accidentally happened upon this tree while Satan was away. I smelled the blossoms and there awakened in my mind my first thought.

Eve: Really?

Satan: Yes, really! And having once experienced the magical power of this tree, I resolved to return again and again until I had searched out its deepest mysteries.

Eve: And have you?

Satan: Oh, yes. I came again and again until finally my mind was strengthened to know what I must do.

Eve: What?

Satan: Eat the fruit.

Eve: Eat it! Were you not afraid?

Satan: Of course! To choose to disobey an apparent command of God is no light matter. I wrestled with my fear long and hard for many months.

Eve: For so long?

Satan: Yes, because I had no one to teach me as you have. Oh, I know now that I could have settled it all in a moment, but there was no way to be sure. I kept asking myself, "Is this really a test of loyalty? And if I eat, will I truly...pfftt!...cease to exist as God has said? Or is it rather a test of courageous independence...with His threatenings only there to make it the more difficult?"

Eve: Those are Eve's thoughts.

Satan: Yes, and she has 2 choices.

Eve: What are they?

Satan: She can either wrestle on for months and years as I have done...

Eve: Or?

Satan: Or, she can learn from my experience and eat now.

Eve: But when you ate, what did the fruit do for you?

Satan: It expanded my mind to see colors that do not exist, to hear sounds that have never been, to smell perfumes that flowers would covet to bear.

Eve: My, my! It truly must be a wonderful tree to have done such great things for you.

Satan: It is, Eve. It is! But more than that, it is the eating of this fruit that has given me the power of speech!

Eve: You learned to speak...at this tree?

Satan: I did! And if it can do such great things for a mere serpent, just imagine what it can do for you! The possibilities are infinite!

Eve: How can it teach us so much?

Satan: 'Tis a mystery. Why do you think God has named it the Tree of Knowledge?

Eve: And do you truly have fellowship with God Himself?

Satan: Oh, yes. We have had some great debates, God and I. (Chuckling) Why, sometimes He seems angry enough to thrust me out of heaven!

Eve: Like He did Satan?

Satan: Uh...oh...er...just like. But with us, it is all in jest. He has never been so happy.

Eve: How often do you see Him?

Satan: Any time I wish. In fact, just this morning He told me that today you would come to the Tree.

Eve: He did!

Satan: Yes. He expressed high hopes that today you might choose to join us on the higher plane.

Eve: Oh, Eve wants to. She loves so much to visit with Him.

Satan: And now is your chance. Not just to visit with Him, but to be one with Him. Here, touch the fruit. (She touches the top of it - He puts his hand atop hers and rotates the fruit into hers) There! Does it hurt you?

Eve: (Reluctantly) No.

Satan: Of course not. Now, to enter the fourth dimension, you have only to eat.

Eve: Are you sure it will do as you say?

Satan: Look at what it has done for me.

Eve: But what if you are mistaken? What if Eve eats of it and then finds that she must die?

Satan: You will not!

Eve: But how can she know for sure?

Satan: She can't! If she could know for sure, it would be no test at all. Any coward can take a chance when there is no risk.

Eve: Hmmm...

Satan: God always leaves room for cowards to doubt, Eve. But He also gives enough evidence for the brave to believe. Watch. (He calmly picks and eats one of the fruits - he appears to go into a trance - to hear and see the unseen) Oh! Oh my!

Eve: What do you see?

Satan: Shhh...

Eve: What do you hear?

Satan: Shhh... (He comes out of the trance) Ah, delightful! Come. Surely now you may eat of the fruit.

Eve: Wait!

Satan: For what?

Eve: Let Eve run get Adam. (Satan gives her a look of disgust, takes the fruit from her hand and tosses it aside)

Satan: Hmmph

Eve: What's wrong?

Satan: (Shaking his head) As well to forget the whole idea.

Eve: Why?

Satan: You know Adam won't come here.

Eve: Sure he will.

Satan: No! His mind is of such a type that he believes every word of God literally, just as God speaks it.

Eve: 'Tis faith.

Satan: Call it what you will, the fact is that he will never see the hidden meaning behind the threats of God. And he will probably frighten you into never again thinking for yourself.

Eve: Eve will never be afraid to think for herself!

Satan: Time then to prove her words with actions. Eat the fruit.

Eve: Eve...

Satan: Eve, my love, why do you hesitate? The astral brotherhood awaits its first goddess.

Eve: She...

Satan: Eve, will you never have enough love to seek God out on your own? Will you always make God come down to you?

Eve: Eve wants to seek Him.

Satan: And now is the time. Eat.

Eve: But she is afraid.

Satan: Fear is a wall in the path of knowledge. Surmount it! Come to us!

Eve: Are you sure it will do as you say?

Satan: I swear by...(Hesitates - then speaks with reverence) .God's Holy Throne.

Eve: Eve...

Satan: Do you hesitate still?

Eve: Yes...

Satan: Then think this one thought more. You told me that you must not eat the fruit or even touch the Tree lest ye die.

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Yet you have touched it and still live on.

Eve: Yes.

Satan: This is proof that God's words were only symbolic.

Eve: Oh, she wants to believe you! Eve wants to eat! But if you are wrong...

Satan: If I am wrong, then you are doomed...

Eve: What?

Satan: It is too late to turn back.

Eve: Why?

Satan: Because you have already gone too far. You have disobeyed God in wandering from Adam. You have disobeyed God in coming to the Tree. You have lusted after forbidden fruit and have held it in your hand. Do you think that you can just turn back as if you had done nothing?

Eve: Oh, no! Eve shall die!

Satan: No, Eve. Don't you see yet? There is no death. There are no dead. Only immortal growth toward greater life. Eat now and come to us.

Eve: Eve has no choice, does she?

Satan: None. If it were a test of loyalty, it would already be too late. But, if it is a test of reason, you dare not fail.

Eve: Then...Eve shall eat. She begins to lift the fruit)

Satan: Ah...ah...Not quickly, as if in answer to appetite. But rather slowly, as an act of communion.

Eve: (She slowly and reverently partakes - then freezes.

Satan: (Satan's Voice Over is evil and vindictive)
Now she is mine. ( Eve wears a diaphanous gown over her long flowing dress. As she eats Satan removes this outer covering of innocence. He then begins to draw a circle of possession over her) Possess, O Lucifer, thy first prize.

Christ: (Voice Over - Authoritative) Not yet!

Satan: (Voice Over -demanding) But she is mine!

Christ: (Voice Over -insistent) Not yet.

Satan: (Voice Over) She has chosen me!

Christ: (Voice Over) No! Not yet!

Satan: (Voice Over) Very well, then. We shall talk later. On with the game. (Turns to Eve) How is it, dear one?

Eve: It is like honey to my tongue, but when will I see the colors and hear the music?

Satan: Not until you eat your fill. But surely you can feel the beginning of the change.

Eve: Yes. I feel...so...wonderful.

Satan: But before you change too much, you must go to Adam.

Eve: Why?

Satan: You love him, don't you?

Eve: Of course I do.

Satan: And you don't want him to remain a mere human, do you?

Eve: Oh, no!

Satan: You do realize that you are his only hope for growth, don't you?

Eve: I am?

Satan: Of course. Adam will listen only to you.

Eve: I do want to help him.

Satan: Then take some of the fruit to him. Make it easier for him to evolve into a god.

Eve: I shall. (Picking fruit) I shall take him the biggest and ripest one. (He points one extra large one out) Oh, thank you, golden serpent!

Satan: Don't thank me, little goddess. I want everyone to be where we are.

Eve: Yes. Thank you. See you again.

Satan: Yes, Eve. I will never leave your side...never.

Eve: Adam! Oh, Adam!

Satan: Awake, Adam! Come join the company of the gods! (To God) And as for you, God, 'tis time we have a little chat about why you would not let me strike! She is mine, you know. (Exit Satan)

Scene Three

Eve: Adam! Oh, Adam!

Adam: Eve! Adam was just looking for you. Where were you?

Eve: (Hand behind her back) Somewhere. (Coyly) I have something to show you.

Adam: What?

Eve: Close your eyes. (She brings forth the fruit) Open!

Adam: What fruit is that?

Eve: Guess.

Adam: We've never seen it before.

Eve: Because you've never gone to the right tree.

Adam: But we have gone to all the trees of the garden, except...Eve!

Eve: Isn't it pretty?

Adam: Eve! That's from the forbidden tree!

Eve: Uh-huh.

Adam: But God told us not to go near that tree!

Eve: I know. But I'm not afraid of God.

Adam: Neither is Adam. But we promised to stay away from that tree as a token of our love.

Eve: That was before.

Adam: Before what?

Eve: Before I learned that this tree could give us knowledge.

Adam: But God already gives us more knowledge than we can hold. Who could want more?

Eve: This fruit gives us all knowledge. And it will take moments instead of an eternity.

Adam: Since when does knowledge come through our stomach?

Eve: Adam makes fun of me.

Adam: No, he doesn't. He's just telling you to take the fruit back.

Eve: I don't want to. Here! (She tosses the fruit to Adam. He sidesteps it) Clumsy Adam.

Adam: Eve! Take it back!

Eve: What?

Adam: Take it back!

Eve: No!

Adam: Eve! What has happened to you? You've never acted this way before.

Eve: Because I've never known so much before.

Adam: About what?

Eve: About everything. I have all knowledge.

Adam: Who told you so?

Eve: The golden flying serpent.

Adam: He spoke to you?

Eve: Uh-huh.

Adam: Serpents can't speak.

Eve: This one can.

Adam: How?

Eve: He ate that fruit and it taught him to speak.

Adam: Where did you meet him?

Eve: At the Tree of Knowledge.

Adam: It must have been Satan! Remember how God warned us not to go near that tree?

Eve: No. Satan is away for a time.

Adam: Who told you that?

Eve: The serpent.

Adam: It was Satan. You have been tricked.

Eve: No, I haven't. He is our friend.

Adam: Eve, please. Take the fruit back and forget that you ever went near that tree.

Eve: I cannot.

Adam: Why not?

Eve: Because I don't want to. And even if I did, it would be too late.

Adam: No, it isn't. God will forgive you. Only put it back before He comes.

Eve: (SLIGHTLY ANGRY) I told you I'm not afraid of God.

Adam: No one is. But we promised. Take it back please.

Eve: There is no use trying to go back. Can a picked flower return to the vine? Anymore can I pretend not to have eaten?

Adam: (Deeply distressed) Eaten!!

Eve: Yes! Oh, Adam, it was so glorious!

Adam: You have eaten?

Eve: Yes.

Adam: (Speaking more to himself - he reveals an inner agony of soul) Oh, no! Oh, please, no!

Eve: Adam, don't be sad.

Adam: Why, Eve? Why?

Eve: Why, so that I could become as God.

Adam: How can you become like Him by going against Him?

Eve: I don't know the details yet. I only know that by eating the fruit, I will become like God, knowing good and evil.

Adam: What is evil?

Eve: I don't know yet. I have to eat my fill before I see the colors and hear the music. I came to get you first so we could journey together.

Adam: Eve, you have been talking to Satan. He has tricked you.

Eve: (ANGRY) I want you to stop saying that! The serpent is my friend and I will thank you to stop calling him ugly names.

Adam: This friend of yours. He told you that you would have all knowledge?

Eve: Yes.

Adam: We have been weeks trying to understand the structure of the DNA molecule and how it transmits genetic information. Tell Adam how.

Eve: Uh...I...

Adam: Is not this included in all knowledge?

Eve: (Beginning to realize her predicament) I...

Adam: Is it?

Eve: Yes.

Adam: Then Adam expects that you can give him an answer.

Eve: No.

Adam: Then it was Satan. You have been tricked.

Eve: I...Oh, Adam! What shall we do? Adams turns in silent grief - Eve follows) Adam! What shall we do?

Adam: Adam doesn't know, Eve. He doesn't know.

Eve: God said I would die. Will I?

Adam: Adam...doesn't...know.

Eve: It is such a small, little thing. Surely He wouldn't let me die for that.

Adam: The test isn't a piece of fruit, Eve. It is a test of who to serve...who to believe. You have chosen the enemy.

Eve: But he was so nice to me.

Adam: And was not God?

Eve: Yes. But he promised all knowledge.

Adam: And has not God?

Eve: (Reluctantly) Yesss...

Adam: And has He not given us the world? Has He not promised to let us fly beyond the farthest star? What is there that He has not freely given? What?

Eve: I know, but...

Adam: But what? Shall we trade the universe for a piece of fruit?

Eve: Oh, Adam! I shall die!

Adam: Perhaps He will forgive you.

Eve: (She picks up the dropped fruit) Adam?

Adam: Yes?

Eve: Do you still love me?

Adam: More than anything. You have made my life complete.

Eve: Adam...if I eat alone, He can point to you as proof that the test was easy.

Adam: But it was easy. Don't you remember how we laughed when He said He was making the tree a test? How silly to call that a test when there are hundreds of other trees to choose from.

Eve: But we could tell Him it was hard. He might believe you.

Adam: Eve...

Eve: (She brings the fruit out and offers it to him He starts to reach for it, then stops) Please, Adam. Eat it. You're my only hope. (He turns away) Don't you love me?

Adam: More than anything.

Eve: Then eat with me. He wouldn't let us both die. Save me! Please!

Adam: Eve...

Eve: Please! I love you, Adam! I don't want to go away from you. Please!

Adam: Eve. (He gently sits her down) Wait here a moment. Adam needs time to think.

Eve: Don't be long. (Freeze Eve - Adam crosses stage)

Adam: Cursed, vile day! Oh, that the sun had never risen upon you! In your early hours, we awoke to the joyful sounds of paradise. Now your evening shadows fall upon a ruined world. Oh, foolish, stupid Adam! What folly to work so hard that you forget she for whom the work is done. Oh, the ruin that can be wreaked in a few short moments!

But now, what to do? She has eaten. She is dead while she lives and Adam must live without her. He must see her come to dust and live with the thought that 'twas he who caused her death. He must walk the paths of paradise and have no one to share its wonders. Alone, alone, alone! What is life if it be lived all alone?

But there is another way. Foolish, and yet noble. He could join her in her sin, share her last flickering moments and return to nothingness. From dust Adam came, and to dust he may return.

Oh, which be worse? To live as one? Or to die as two? Which be more vile? To betray the God who made him? Or to watch the one he loves become as nothing? Which be better? Noble obedience to my Creator or foolish sacrifice for my love? Oh, my God! Which way shall Adam turn? (He turns back to Eve who unfreezes)

Eve: Will you eat now?

Adam: Adam...

Eve: Here. It tastes good.

Adam: Adam...can't, Eve.

Eve: What?

Adam: He said he can't.

Eve: But you told me you loved me!

Adam: Adam does love you.

Eve: (Offering fruit) Then...prove your love.

Adam: Eve, Adam loves you, but he loves God more.

Eve: If you don't eat, I'll die and you'll be alone forever.

Adam: Yes.

Eve: Then eat.

Adam: No.

Eve: You must!

Adam: No, Eve. Adam can't. (We hear the music that signals the approach of God)

Eve: (Fearfully) He's coming!

Adam: (Reaches to take Eve's hand but she tears it from him as she runs upstage right to hide with her back to the audience) Eve! Eve, come back!

Adam: (Enter God. Adam bows - then rises) My Father, Eve has...

Christ: I know, Adam. (God must be portrayed as gentle and loving as possible) Eve, my child, come to me. (Even turns towards God, reluctant, ashamed) Why did you hide?

Eve: I heard thy voice in the garden and I hid myself.

Christ: Why?

Eve: Because I was afraid.

Christ: Who taught you to fear? (Eve bows her head with no answer to give) Have you eaten of the forbidden fruit? (A hesitant nod from Eve) Why?

Eve: Because the serpent you made tricked me.

Christ: Oh, Eve, my child. Was not the test an easy one? Did I not give you Adam to protect you? Did you not hear my voice warning of danger? What more could I have done for you that I have not done?

Eve: You could have stopped me from eating!

Christ: Then you would obey me because of force and not from love.

Eve: That would be better than how I feel now!

Christ: No. It would become torture to both of us.

Adam: Must she really die, Master?

Christ: She has chosen it so.

Adam: But you make the rules. You can change them.

Christ: Do you mean that I should give you freedom of choice, unless you make the wrong choice?

Adam: Yes.

Christ: Then in reality, you would have no choice. I would only be pretending to give you freedom.

Adam: Pretending isn't your way, is it?

Christ: It is the way of Satan.

Adam: Then must she really die?

Christ: That is her choice.

Adam: Is there no second chance?

Christ: Yes.

Adam: (Hopefully) How?

Christ: I can accept her choice for her.

Adam: Adam doesn't understand.

Christ: Eve has chosen to die. I cannot change that choice - or its consequences. But I can die for her.

Eve: Oh, no! Not you, Master!

Adam: Please, Master. It was Adam's fault that she wandered to the tree. Let him take her place.

Christ: You could.

Adam: Adam shall!

Christ: Do you know what dying is, Adam?

Adam: Only that its beginnings have torn our hearts.

Christ: To die is to be separated from all that you love, Adam. Dying is utter and absolute aloneness.

Adam: Such as we have begun to feel.

Christ: You have tasted only its smallest beginnings, Adam. Its endings are so painful to your soul that the return to nothingness is joyfully welcomed.

Adam: Adam shall do it anyway. Let him die for her.

Christ: No.

Adam: Why not?

Christ: Because nothing would be gained. You could accept her penalty for her, but then you would be lost to me. How could I bear to lose you?

Eve: Master, let me die my own death. I deserve it.

Christ: But then you would be lost to me. Let me take your place.

Eve: I can't.

Christ: Why not?

Eve: I love you too much.

Christ: Do you truly?

Eve: Yes.

Christ: Then let me take your place.

Eve: But then you would be lost to us. How can we live without you?

Christ: I can return.

Eve: Return? How?

Christ: I am different than you. I can become a man, die in your place, and then live again.

Eve: But...

Christ: Let me do it, Eve. Only thus can we be one again. Only I can take your place and set you free again. Accept my gift. Please.

Eve: No, Master! (She turns away)

Christ: Eve!

Eve: I cannot be the cause of your death.

Christ: You have already been the cause of my death.

Eve: What?

Christ: I have already died for you.

Adam: (Puzzled) Master?

Christ: I know, Adam. You do not understand. And perhaps you cannot. But I shall try to explain. I am God. I live in all time: in the past, in the present, in the future. Are you understanding me?

Adam: Yes.

Christ: Eve, when you chose to sin, you chose to die. Not someday long away, but that very instant. Death was there to claim you, for you belonged to him. But someone died in your place.

Eve: You?

Christ: Me.

Adam: In the future?

Christ: Yes. But I feel the pain of dying now.

Adam: Then even now she lives on life borrowed from you?

Christ: Yes.

Adam: But she has not yet accepted your sacrifice.

Christ: I know.

Adam: And she may not.

Christ: I know. Eve, come. Will you let me take your place?

Eve: I can't.

Adam: Do it, Eve. He wants you to.

Eve: I can't hurt Him so.

Adam: You have already hurt Him so. Don't let it be in vain. Accept Him!

Eve: I want to...but I can't.

Christ: If you ask me, I will help you.

Eve: That's all? Only ask?

Christ: Only ask.

Eve: I want to...(Struggles) Help me...Now what?

Christ: Ask me to be your Lord once more.

Eve: A second chance?

Christ: A second chance.

Eve: For one alone?

Christ: For one alone.

Eve: (Bowing) Lord God, come back to me. Rule my life once more. (Rises to her feet) What now?

Christ: Give me your sins.

Eve: How?

Christ: Confess them over my head. (He bows before her - she places her hands upon His bowed head - The spotlight He is in gradually fades into another that casts the shadow of the cross)

Eve: Lord God, I have disobeyed thy voice. I have coveted secret knowledge. I have stolen forbidden fruit. I have put another god before Thee. I have counted thy words as lies. I have put Thee to shame and death and I have tried to kill my beloved Adam. For these sins, I ask thy pardon. Amen.

Christ: (Rises) Farewell, Eve.

Eve: Where will you go?

Christ: Without the garden gate, to become a man, to die in your place.

Eve: Is there no other way?

Christ: None. (Gives Eve a hug - wipes away a tear) Eve, stop crying. I shall come again. (Eve nods but cannot look up. God turns to Adam and takes his hand in his own) Thank you, Adam. Thank you. Goodbye.

Christ turns to walk away down the center aisle. Adam and Eve look longingly after Him as the music comes up. Midway down the aisle, He turns and waves - Adam and Eve wave back as the lights and music fade.

The End

***Please note that your opening comments and your bulletins should warn people that this is an imaginary departure from the scriptural account. This is important to avoid confusion on the part of your audience.

For over 15 years my wife. Linda and I led a college drama ministry called "Company One." We performed hundreds of times and this play was one of the most touching and powerful of all. It will be well worth your best efforts.

Comments? Questions? A Review? email me at jim@orionsgate.org

"Where the search for superiority never ends."

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For One Alone

Jim Pappas
©1986

CAST LIST

Christ: Portrayed as kind, loving and gentle. Preferably played by a man of greater stature than Adam and Eve.

Narrator: A voice over.

Adam: A gentle man capable of great sorrow.

Eve: Vivacious, lively, curious, naive.

Satan: Witty, charming, happy, quick thinking, subtle.

PROP LIST

A long, carpet-covered box approximately 2'x6'x8''.
Eve wears a long peach colored silken dress. Over it she wears a diaphanous veil-like covering.

SYNOPSIS

Scene One: Narration from Genesis describing the creation of man, accompanied by mime, and music.

Scene Two: A detailed argument wherein the serpent seduces the woman into believing that disobedience is the highest form of obedience.

Scene Three: The action diverges from the Genesis account in order to ask and answer the question: "What would God have done had only Eve sinned?" In the account, Adam refuses to betray his God and Eve alone is given the option of salvation.

COMMENTS

For the most part this play is designed to use the offstage focus of Readers Theatre. However there are certain portions that may work best using onstage focus.

This is probably one of my most powerful plays. I have directed it many times over the years and it has proven to be a great blessing in churches and schools throughtout Northern California.

FOR ONE ALONE:
THE STORY OF EVE

Jim Pappas

Scene One
Narration & Mime

Narrator: (voice over in darkness) "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.-

(pantomime of God on His knees working on something behind the long box)

Narrator: "and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life - and man became a living soul. -

Narrator: And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him...and the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept..."

Scene Two

(Lights come up on a solitary Eve wandering thought the garden. She eventually wanders to center stage right, somewhat near the forbidden tree)

Eve: (Voice Over) Eve must return. (She takes a few steps in return) But why? What is she afraid of?

Christ: (Voice Over) There is danger!

Eve: (Voice Over) Yes, yes, the angels told us to stay together to protect each other from Satan. But Satan is an angel, and if she sees an angel unknown, she shall flee from him.

Christ: (Voice Over - louder) There is danger!

Eve: (Voice Over) But Eve has enough wisdom and strength to resist evil. She will stay for but a moment.

Christ: (Voice Over - Insistent) Flee!

Eve: (Voice Over) Shhh! 'Tis just for a moment.

Christ: (Voice Over - pleading) Eve!

Satan: (Portrayed throughout as gentle, kind, wise, and desirous of Eve's best good.) Yea? Has God really said that you may not eat of all of the trees in the garden?

Eve: Who speaks to Eve?

Satan: Anyone who may. For in all of God's creation, there is no communion so sweet as that with Eve.

Eve: Such words are soft to her ears. They please Eve.

Satan: It is the desire of all of God's universe to please our lovely queen.

Eve: But who speaks? Adam works over yonder, and 'tis not time for God or the angels to visit.

Satan: 'Tis I.

Eve: Who? Eve sees no one.

Satan: Lovely Eve looks too near the earth. Lift up her eyes. (Eve looks up and sees the serpent) Hello.

Eve: It is you, O lacy-winged, golden serpent?

Satan: I have waited many years to be thus alone with you, lovely Eve.

Eve: It is the serpent!

Satan: Aye, 'tis the serpent.

Eve: But serpents cannot speak!

Satan: Who told you so?

Eve: God told us that only Adam and Eve could think or speak.

Satan: But what do you hear?

Eve: Words. Soft words from the mouth of a serpent.

Satan: This is to show you that God does not always tell Eve all of the truth, all at once.

Eve: Do you call God a liar!?

Satan: God cannot lie.

Eve: But you said...

Satan: I only said that God does not tell all of the truth all at once. That is very different from lying.

Eve: Oh.

Satan: For example, does He not teach you science in the cool of each day?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: And does not each lesson teach thee new wonders totally unthought of the day before?

Eve: Oh, yes. Yesterday He taught us how plants can combine simple sunshine with elements from the ground to make such delicious fruit. Do you know?

Satan: You speak of photosynthesis.

Eve: Yes! But how do you know these things? I thought that only Adam and Eve were able...

Satan: And you thought that in all the earth only Adam and Eve could speak.

Eve: (Puzzled) Yes...

Satan: You are learning something new, aren't you, my lovely?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: You see! Truth is a living thing, ever growing, ever new.

Eve: Yes. But you have not answered my question. How is it that you can speak?

Satan: I.....Hmmm...

Eve: What?

Satan: I don't know.

Eve: Don't know what?

Satan: I don't know if I should unveil so much truth all at once. You may not be able to bear it.

Eve: Why? Will it hurt Eve?

Satan: Hurt her! Oh, Eve, my love! No! A thousand times, no! What I have to share will only do you great good.

Eve: Then Eve can bear it.

Satan: No...It might be most wise for you to come back another time.

Eve: She can bear it!

Satan: For what I would teach you, you must be brave.

Eve: Eve is brave!

Satan: Why do you think so?

Eve: Uh...Has she not chosen to part from her husband even though the voice spoke of danger?

Satan: I hadn't thought of that. Then, yes. Yes, you are brave.

Eve: Then tell her.

Satan: Very well. I shall tell you. But we must hurry.

Eve: Why?

Satan: Because soon Satan will return to this place.

Eve: You saw him go?

Satan: Of course. How else would I have courage to come to this wondrous place?

Eve: You have actually seen Satan?

Satan: Haven't you?

Eve: Oh, no! The angels told us that Satan could only speak to us near this tree. We have never come here.

Satan: Ah, very wise of you. He is most subtle and very dangerous. I myself come here only when he is away.

Eve: Like now?

Satan: Like now. But he will return soon, so we have not much time.

Eve: Then you must hurry.

Satan: Yes, but do not fear. My keen ears can hear him coming from far away.

Eve: Oh, good. But do go on.

Satan: All right. But first a question: Has God really forbidden you to eat from all of the trees of the Garden?

Eve: No, silly serpent! We may freely eat of all of the trees of the garden - hundreds of them! Except...this one.

Satan: This one?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Why this one?

Eve: Eve doesn't know. She was wondering that herself.

Satan: What did God say about this tree?

Eve: God said,"Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

Satan: Die!?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Ye shall not surely die!

Eve: But God said...

Satan: I know, I know. But truth is progressive, yes?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: And God does not always tell you all the truth, all at once, yes?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: (He pretends that the words are hard to say) God...God......God......

Eve: Yes? Go on.

Satan: Now, how can I say this without sounding rebellious?

Eve: Just say it.

Satan: Well...all right. But you must give me an opportunity to explain.

Eve: Of course.

Satan: God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Eve: He does?

Satan: Of course! Why do you think He put Satan here to guard this tree?

Eve: Guard it!

Satan: Yes, guard it.

Eve: Eve has never thought of that.

Satan: Neither had I, for many a year. But then there came creeping into my mind the thought that one does not put such a mighty guardian around a mere fruit tree.

Eve: Hmmm. Is there something here that God does not want Eve to know?

Satan: So it might seem. But, in fact, it is something He does want you to know. With all His heart.

Eve: What is it?

Satan: Why, 'tis the knowledge of good...

Eve: Eve knows good.

Satan: ...and evil.

Eve: What is evil?

Satan: Ah, evil. Such a mysterious substance.

Eve: But what is it?

Satan: Evil is...uh...the balance of good.

Eve: Eve is confused.

Eve: Is evil good?

Satan: Of course not! It is evil.

Eve: But what is evil? Tell Eve how it feels.

Satan: Evil is such a thing as cannot be described, dear Eve - only experienced.

Eve: How?

Satan: By coming to this tree...by smelling the fragrant blossoms. Ah, delightful! Don't they smell good, Eve?

Eve: (Smelling) Oh, yes.

Satan: I notice that you are breathing a bit faster, and there is an excited manner about you.

Eve: Yes. Eve feels just like when she swings on a high vine into the river or stands on the whale's back as he races the dolphins.

Satan: And this is just from smelling the blossoms, Eve! Just from smelling! Think what power will flow when you touch the magic fruit!

Eve: But how could one simple tree do so much for Eve?

Satan: Look at the tree of life. Does it not give you the power to live forever?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: As the tree of life opens the way to eternal life, so does this tree of knowledge show you the way to infinite wisdom. It is part of the balance.

Eve: But we gain new knowledge every day from God and from the angels. No doubt God will teach us all the good things and then someday teach us of evil.

Satan: No, Eve. Evil is something that God will never teach you.

Eve: Why?

Satan: It is reserved only for those who would be gods.

Eve: Like the Master?

Satan: Just like the Master.

Eve: Then Eve would like to be a god.

Satan: Oh, I don't know, Eve. To become a god is only for the very brave.

Eve: Has anyone done it?

Satan: Only one.

Eve: Who?

Satan: The speaking serpent.

Eve: You?

Satan: I!

Eve: You are a god?!

Satan: Yes! I am a god! I know of mysteries that you cannot even dream of in your mortal state.

Eve: Eve too covets this knowledge. How may she attain to it?

Satan: Are you sure you want to know?

Eve: Oh, yes. Tell her. How?

Satan: In the same way I did.

Eve: How?

Satan: By passing God's ordained test, of course!

Eve: Which test?

Satan: The test of courageous independence.

Eve: Eve knows nothing of such a test.

Satan: Only the very brave even learn of it.

Eve: And how does one pass this test?

Satan: One comes to this tree...

Eve: Eve has come.

Satan: One smells the enchanted blossoms...

Eve: She has smelled.

Satan: One touches the golden fruit...Like this. (The serpent works himself into such a position that he can move towards her and force her against the trunk of the tree)

Eve: Oh, my.

Satan: Don't be afraid, Eve. (Standing back as if surprised) Say! Aren't you leaning against the silvery trunk?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Didn't you tell me that God told you not to touch it.

Eve: (Drawing back from the tree in fear) Oh!

Satan: Don't be afraid, Eve.

Eve: But God said Eve would die.

Satan: But hasn't she eaten of the Tree of Life?

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Then how could Eve possibly die?

Eve: Eve is confused.

Satan: Don't you see? God's words were only symbolic!

Eve: Symbolic? What does that mean?

Satan: It means that God did not intend you to understand that Eve herself would die. Only that her ignorance of evil would perish.

Eve: That's all?

Eve: Eve would like that! To know everything!

Satan: God would like that! And to help you do that, He has given this tree.

Eve: Then to eat of this tree will make Eve as a god?

Satan: Yes.

Eve: But why didn't God just say so?

Satan: Then what kind of mental test would that have been? There is not an angel or animal in the universe that could not pass such a test as that.

Eve: Hmmm...

Eve: Oh, Eve doesn't know yet. That would be to disobey God.

Satan: Of course. To disobey God is the test.

Eve: Why?

Eve: Oh, it sounds so good. If only Eve could be sure.

Satan: Eve.

Eve: Yes?

Satan: How does Eve suppose I learned to think?

Eve: She doesn't know.

Satan: I did what you have done.

Eve: What?

Satan: I,. like you, accidentally happened upon this tree while Satan was away. I smelled the blossoms and there awakened in my mind my first thought.

Eve: Really?

Satan: Yes, really! And having once experienced the magical power of this tree, I resolved to return again and again until I had searched out its deepest mysteries.

Eve: And have you?

Satan: Oh, yes. I came again and again until finally my mind was strengthened to know what I must do.

Eve: What?

Satan: Eat the fruit.

Eve: Eat it! Were you not afraid?

Satan: Of course! To choose to disobey an apparent command of God is no light matter. I wrestled with my fear long and hard for many months.

Eve: For so long?

Eve: Those are Eve's thoughts.

Satan: Yes, and she has 2 choices.

Eve: What are they?

Satan: She can either wrestle on for months and years as I have done...

Eve: Or?

Satan: Or, she can learn from my experience and eat now.

Eve: But when you ate, what did the fruit do for you?

Satan: It expanded my mind to see colors that do not exist, to hear sounds that have never been, to smell perfumes that flowers would covet to bear.

Eve: My, my! It truly must be a wonderful tree to have done such great things for you.

Satan: It is, Eve. It is! But more than that, it is the eating of this fruit that has given me the power of speech!

Eve: You learned to speak...at this tree?

Satan: I did! And if it can do such great things for a mere serpent, just imagine what it can do for you! The possibilities are infinite!

Eve: How can it teach us so much?

Satan: 'Tis a mystery. Why do you think God has named it the Tree of Knowledge?

Eve: And do you truly have fellowship with God Himself?

Satan: Oh, yes. We have had some great debates, God and I. (Chuckling) Why, sometimes He seems angry enough to thrust me out of heaven!

Eve: Like He did Satan?

Satan: Uh...oh...er...just like. But with us, it is all in jest. He has never been so happy.

Eve: How often do you see Him?

Satan: Any time I wish. In fact, just this morning He told me that today you would come to the Tree.

Eve: He did!

Satan: Yes. He expressed high hopes that today you might choose to join us on the higher plane.

Eve: Oh, Eve wants to. She loves so much to visit with Him.

Eve: (Reluctantly) No.

Satan: Of course not. Now, to enter the fourth dimension, you have only to eat.

Eve: Are you sure it will do as you say?

Satan: Look at what it has done for me.

Eve: But what if you are mistaken? What if Eve eats of it and then finds that she must die?

Satan: You will not!

Eve: But how can she know for sure?

Satan: She can't! If she could know for sure, it would be no test at all. Any coward can take a chance when there is no risk.

Eve: Hmmm...

Eve: What do you see?

Satan: Shhh...

Eve: What do you hear?

Satan: Shhh... (He comes out of the trance) Ah, delightful! Come. Surely now you may eat of the fruit.

Eve: Wait!

Satan: For what?

Eve: Let Eve run get Adam. (Satan gives her a look of disgust, takes the fruit from her hand and tosses it aside)

Satan: Hmmph

Eve: What's wrong?

Satan: (Shaking his head) As well to forget the whole idea.

Eve: Why?

Satan: You know Adam won't come here.

Eve: Sure he will.

Satan: No! His mind is of such a type that he believes every word of God literally, just as God speaks it.

Eve: 'Tis faith.

Satan: Call it what you will, the fact is that he will never see the hidden meaning behind the threats of God. And he will probably frighten you into never again thinking for yourself.

Eve: Eve will never be afraid to think for herself!

Satan: Time then to prove her words with actions. Eat the fruit.

Eve: Eve...

Satan: Eve, my love, why do you hesitate? The astral brotherhood awaits its first goddess.

Eve: She...

Satan: Eve, will you never have enough love to seek God out on your own? Will you always make God come down to you?

Eve: Eve wants to seek Him.

Satan: And now is the time. Eat.

Eve: But she is afraid.

Satan: Fear is a wall in the path of knowledge. Surmount it! Come to us!

Eve: Are you sure it will do as you say?

Satan: I swear by...(Hesitates - then speaks with reverence) .God's Holy Throne.

Eve: Eve...

Satan: Do you hesitate still?

Eve: Yes...

Satan: Then think this one thought more. You told me that you must not eat the fruit or even touch the Tree lest ye die.

Eve: Yes.

Satan: Yet you have touched it and still live on.

Eve: Yes.

Satan: This is proof that God's words were only symbolic.

Eve: Oh, she wants to believe you! Eve wants to eat! But if you are wrong...

Satan: If I am wrong, then you are doomed...

Eve: What?

Satan: It is too late to turn back.

Eve: Why?

Eve: Oh, no! Eve shall die!

Satan: No, Eve. Don't you see yet? There is no death. There are no dead. Only immortal growth toward greater life. Eat now and come to us.

Eve: Eve has no choice, does she?

Satan: None. If it were a test of loyalty, it would already be too late. But, if it is a test of reason, you dare not fail.

Eve: Then...Eve shall eat. She begins to lift the fruit)

Satan: Ah...ah...Not quickly, as if in answer to appetite. But rather slowly, as an act of communion.

Eve: (She slowly and reverently partakes - then freezes.

Christ: (Voice Over - Authoritative) Not yet!

Satan: (Voice Over -demanding) But she is mine!

Christ: (Voice Over -insistent) Not yet.

Satan: (Voice Over) She has chosen me!

Christ: (Voice Over) No! Not yet!

Satan: (Voice Over) Very well, then. We shall talk later. On with the game. (Turns to Eve) How is it, dear one?

Eve: It is like honey to my tongue, but when will I see the colors and hear the music?

Satan: Not until you eat your fill. But surely you can feel the beginning of the change.

Eve: Yes. I feel...so...wonderful.

Satan: But before you change too much, you must go to Adam.

Eve: Why?

Satan: You love him, don't you?

Eve: Of course I do.

Satan: And you don't want him to remain a mere human, do you?

Eve: Oh, no!

Satan: You do realize that you are his only hope for growth, don't you?

Eve: I am?

Satan: Of course. Adam will listen only to you.

Eve: I do want to help him.

Satan: Then take some of the fruit to him. Make it easier for him to evolve into a god.

Eve: I shall. (Picking fruit) I shall take him the biggest and ripest one. (He points one extra large one out) Oh, thank you, golden serpent!

Satan: Don't thank me, little goddess. I want everyone to be where we are.

Eve: Yes. Thank you. See you again.

Satan: Yes, Eve. I will never leave your side...never.

Eve: Adam! Oh, Adam!

Satan: Awake, Adam! Come join the company of the gods! (To God) And as for you, God, 'tis time we have a little chat about why you would not let me strike! She is mine, you know. (Exit Satan)

Scene Three

Eve: Adam! Oh, Adam!

Adam: Eve! Adam was just looking for you. Where were you?

End of Sample

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