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Scene 3.2.1
TIME AND SCENE:
The main temple in Jerusalem. It is day and
everyone had just witnessed the public spurning of
Joachim. Joachim has gone into self-imposed exile,
leaving his wife, Anna alone and in emotional
despair.
Enter ANNA, shuffling through the large throng of
people, the crowd parting way as she walks
through the temple. Frantic whispering among the
people as they are all gossiping about Jochims
self-imposed exile. Ruben is at the bema, centre
stage, lecturing to his fellow priests gathered
around him. There are several people praying
silently in the pews. As Anna walks up the main
isle, Ruben notices her, dismisses his congregation
of priests and strolls towards Anna

RUBEN:
Anna, my dear child, have seek comfort in the house of God?
ANNA:
High Priest Ruben, I seek many things. Repentance and enlightenment from the holy
lord for surely the punishment bestowed upon my husband must have probable cause.
Hopefully clarification will strip me of my shameful discontent and rid thoughts of
injustice from my conscious.
RUBEN:
Anna, surely you of all people would comprehend the intent behind this action. Your
husband has fallen out of Gods graces.
ANNA:
That was your proclamation, it was not Gods.
RUBEN:
Have you lost your senses? Do you not know who I am? Does my title of high priest
bear no significance to you? Come, let us not disturb these people; come discuss these
private matters with me in the privacy of the prayer rooms.
Anna throws herself on the temple floor

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ANNA:
God, why have you condemned my husband? Take pity on his soul, for surely he is
deeply remorseful for committing the sins that have offend you. My husband feels
privileged for the gifts you have given him, taking nothing for granted .He intent is
pure, all his acts of charity and devotion, genuine. Yet we have found a way to lose
your favor.
Ruben:
God no longer looks favorably on your husband Joachim and I do not wish anyone is
Israel to allow oneself to enjoy his spoil tainted by misfortune.
Anna:
By forsaking by husband you leave me abandoned. Take pity on me, as I am
hopefully still viewed favorably in your divine eyes. I pray that you have mercy on
his soul as to give me back my husband as I feel he has been unjustly punished.
Ruben:
Your Husbands was blight on fortunes smile and his departure means more favorable
circumstances for this land. Selflessness is viewed favorably and must be exercised
for the benefit of everyone.
Anna:
My innocent husband has been unjustly smitten by God. Please High Priest Rueben,
present my dire case to God, and beg for his mercy.
Ruben:
Stand up now; you have caused a rift in this holy atmosphere long enough.
Anna:
You are the high priest, holiest of individuals your bond to god most powerful. Go,
talk to god and askno demand a reason for this.
Ruben: Blasphemy, I will not stand for it. Your loss has made your irrational and
beyond reason.
Anna:
You are such a travesty of a high priest!
Ruben:
I take my leave; please, excuse yourself as soon as possible.

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