St. Ebba's Tears

(Male yelling is heard offstage as Ebba is alone upstairs in the convent.) 1

Ebba: They’re coming! (looks up) How could You? How could You let this happen? I have served You my entire life and now I am to be raped by those men? Men with enough evil in their hearts they would attack a convent? 2

(falls to her knees and prays) Please save us from the hands of these men. Keep us pure for Your kingdom’s sake. 3

(looks up) I have lived a pure life, dedicated to You since infancy and now I stand, seeing my deathbed in the form of barbarians. (pleads) Forgive me of my secret sins, holy Father. Please, deliver Your children from death!4

(hears female screaming, stands and runs to the window)5

They’re here. (looks up) Are You listening to me? They are standing in my convent, ready to destroy us! (Begins to pace) I cannot be raped by those men. I will not be! I refuse to be touched by those immoral devils. 6

(looks up) I have lived here in this place for nothing. I have dedicated myself to an unjust God and for what? To be ripped and beaten?! (stops) No, no...There must be away...I must stop those men. (looks up) I must stop them because YOU will not!7

(Looks around the room. Ebba rushes to open a nightstand and pulls out a knife)8

Yes, this will stop them. (Puts it to her face) What man would rape me if I were to have no face? 9

(Begins to cut. Turns her back to the audience)10

(More screaming from offstage. Ebba’s screams and cries are heard onstage. Loud footsteps are heard and a door opens to reveal three large men)11

(tearfully) Why must I die? 12