The Terrible Meek Kennedy, Charles Rann Derived Text Format to access the structural information conversion Mathias Göbel TextGrid CC-BY-4.0 Lizenzvertrag Charles Rann Kennedy, 1871 – The Terrible Meek: A One-Act Play for Three Voices: to Be Played in Darkness by Charles Rann Kennedy ... New York London Harper & Brothers 44 p. SOLDIER. CAPTAIN. WOMAN. One-act Prose data extraction from source 1912 First performed: March 19, 1912
PERSONS OF THE PLAY A PEASANT WOMAN AN ARMY CAPTAIN A SOLDIER

THE TIME

A TIME OF DARKNESS

THE PLACE

A WIND-SWEPT HILL

Before the curtain rises, a bell from some distant place of worship tolls the hour. Nine brazen notes, far off, out of tune. Then a heavy peal of thunder, and the sharp, cracking strike of a bolt; yet, above all, one other sound, more piercing — a strange, unearthly Cry. There follows a mighty howling of wind, blended with a confused clamour of voices and the hurrying of many feet. The noises have almost all died away, when the Curtain rises upon inky darkness .

A sudden hush. The silence deepens. There is a sense of moorlands and desolate places .

Far off, a cow lows in her stall. Some lost sheep down in the valley bleats dismally. Silence again .

 It is broken by the Voice of a Woman, weeping bitterly . A PEASANT WOMAN. WOMAN.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars .

Another Voice: the gentlemanly, well-bred voice of an army man, now under some stress of emotion . A CAPTAIN. CAPTAIN.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 104 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 95 chars .

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 123 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 63 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

The clank and rattle of his sword and uniform mark his moving away. He sits .

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

A bitter wind comes soughing up from the valley. The sheep bleats once, piteously. Then all is quiet again .

Some one else is coming. He is heard stumbling blindly up over the hill, the steel butt of his weapon ringing among the stones . A SOLDIER.

Groping in darkness, he collides suddenly with the CAPTAIN. His Voice is that of a common man, city-bred;

 SOLDIER.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 200 chars .

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 69 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 77 chars .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 13 words in 4 sentences using 61 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 70 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 86 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

They consider it for a moment. Presently the SOLDIER laughs at some amusing recollection; SOLDIER.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 69 words in 4 sentences using 313 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 48 words in 4 sentences using 219 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 135 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 67 chars .

Some memory holds him for a moment;

Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 173 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 141 chars .

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 164 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

The SOLDIER is rather stupid, or he would have laughed. He goes on; SOLDIER.

Contains 54 words in 5 sentences using 281 chars .

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars .

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 42 chars .

The WOMAN'S Voice rises, sighing like wind; WOMAN.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 65 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars .

The SOLDIER is affected by this. He speaks with real compassion; SOLDIER.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

Their minds go wandering through many troubled by-paths of thought. Presently the SOLDIER speaks again;

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 79 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 175 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 123 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 62 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 101 words in 7 sentences using 532 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 54 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 71 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 218 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 69 chars .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

They remain silent for a little .

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 63 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars .

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 94 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 35 words in 4 sentences using 154 chars .

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 148 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 155 chars .

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 186 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 110 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 60 words in 4 sentences using 277 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 65 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

SOLDIER ( taken aback on the sacred word ).

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 158 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 50 chars .

Contains 47 words in 3 sentences using 222 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 123 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 93 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars .

He is a little nettled at the turn the conversation is taking . CAPTAIN.

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 100 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 103 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars .

SOLDIER ( sullenly ).

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 180 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 43 words in 3 sentences using 228 chars .

SOLDIER ( shortly ).

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

CAPTAIN ( insisting ).

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 72 words in 1 sentence using 397 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 90 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 65 words in 5 sentences using 332 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 87 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 104 chars .

SOLDIER (hotly).

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 64 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 58 words in 8 sentences using 265 chars .

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars .

They are silent for a little while. Then the SOLDIER, feeling that he has gone too far, begins assuaging the situation;

Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 137 chars .

Contains 0 words in 0 sentences using 0 chars .

Contains 0 words in 0 sentences using 0 chars .

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 93 chars .

He speaks in an aggrieved tone. It is the way in which shame comes to a soldier .

A pause .

 CAPTAIN ( deeply ).

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 172 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 105 chars .

He rattles his weapon in the darkness and continues;

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 181 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 111 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

SOLDIER ( slowly ).

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 19 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 23 words in 4 sentences using 122 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 54 words in 5 sentences using 277 chars .

The cloudy darkness slightly lifts from the ground. Their forms can be dimly discerned — vague shadows upon a deeper gloom. Up above there still dwells impenetrable night .

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 59 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 81 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 65 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 113 chars .

The SOLDIER is embarrassed. He does not know what to say. Something about "duty" comes into his head; but somehow it seems inappropriate .

A brighter thought occurs to him;

SOLDIER.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

There is heard the rattle of his salute, and the dying away of his footsteps, as he stumbles blindly up and over the hill .

The CAPTAIN does not speak until all is still again .

 CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 3 sentences using 27 chars .

He buries his face in the dirt and stones .

The faintest moaning of wind. The sheep bleats. A dog, disturbed by the sound, barks, far off. Then there is a deep silence, lasting one minute .

The Voice of the PEASANT WOMAN is heard, speaking at first in dull, dead tones, very slowly;

 WOMAN.

Contains 36 words in 6 sentences using 176 chars .

Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 159 chars .

Contains 0 words in 0 sentences using 0 chars .

Contains 0 words in 0 sentences using 0 chars .

Contains 34 words in 6 sentences using 184 chars .

Contains 47 words in 4 sentences using 228 chars .

Contains 34 words in 6 sentences using 179 chars .

Contains 43 words in 6 sentences using 201 chars .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars .

Contains 70 words in 7 sentences using 356 chars .

Contains 53 words in 8 sentences using 243 chars .

A gust of anguish takes her, overwhelming her;

Contains 47 words in 5 sentences using 217 chars .

Contains 22 words in 5 sentences using 115 chars .

The wind rises and falls away like a whisper .

Contains 22 words in 5 sentences using 106 chars .

Contains 61 words in 4 sentences using 304 chars .

There is heard a low fluttering as of wings;

Contains 39 words in 1 sentence using 196 chars .

Her speech breaks away into sobs for a little while. As she recovers, she goes into a dazed dream of memories;

Contains 55 words in 3 sentences using 275 chars .

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 80 chars .

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 66 chars .

Contains 20 words in 5 sentences using 109 chars .

Contains 34 words in 6 sentences using 170 chars .

The agony begins to prick through again, stab by stab, as she continues;

Contains 79 words in 8 sentences using 341 chars .

Contains 4 words in 6 sentences using 26 chars .

Contains 69 words in 6 sentences using 358 chars .

Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 127 chars .

Contains 216 words in 27 sentences using 1069 chars .

Contains 86 words in 10 sentences using 455 chars .

She has come to the bottom of her grief. Her voice dies away through strangled sobs into silence .

A pause .

The CAPTAIN rises. He halts irresolute for a moment. Then he can be heard moving over to where she lies prone on the ground .

 CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 4 sentences using 30 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

She does not answer .

Contains 36 words in 6 sentences using 170 chars .

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

She does not answer .

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

WOMAN ( in a stupor ).

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 56 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 83 chars .

She does not answer .

Contains 68 words in 8 sentences using 358 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 67 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 84 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

She is bewildered . WOMAN.

Contains 10 words in 4 sentences using 45 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 41 words in 6 sentences using 199 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 130 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 24 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 28 chars .

Contains 40 words in 6 sentences using 217 chars .

Contains 129 words in 10 sentences using 709 chars .

Contains 132 words in 9 sentences using 721 chars .

Contains 128 words in 7 sentences using 664 chars .

There is a deep, solemn silence for a moment or two, broken only by the tinkle of sheep-bells, which are gradually approaching . WOMAN.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 77 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 88 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 65 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 5 words in 4 sentences using 32 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

It grows a little lighter .

Some one is heard stumbling blindly over the hill. It is the SOLDIER. His form emerges gray out of the gloom .

 SOLDIER.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 165 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 58 chars .

SOLDIER.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

SOLDIER ( after a moment );

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

The SOLDIER has no word to say .

The darkness is rapidly melting away. All three figures are now beginning to be seen quite clearly .

 SOLDIER.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

CAPTAIN.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

An unearthly splendour fills the place. It is seen to be the top of a bleak stony hill with little grass to it .

The WOMAN is dressed in Eastern garments; the CAPTAIN is a Roman centurion; the SOLDIER, a Roman legionary. Above them rise three gaunt crosses bearing three dead men gibbeted like thieves .

At the foot of the crosses a flock of sheep nibble peacefully at the grass. The air is filled with the sound of their little bells .

 CURTAIN