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THE DEATH OF HELIER

A SHORT PLAY IN ONE ACT
Narrator

In the middle of the 6th century, word of Saxon raiders came to the inhabitants of

Jersey, and they were afraid. So they turned to Marculf's friend, Helier, and asked him for God's protection on their homes and families. Helier agreed, and began to pray.

Helier

Lord, we pray and beseech you, that you would grant that in all things we may be defended by the help of your protection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

Narrator

The danger abated for a while, and the people thanked God for his mercies. Then one day, the Saxon pirates landed, suddenly and swiftly, on the coast near where Helier lived. They captured Helier, and brought him before the pirate chief.

Pirate Chief

Who are you, fellow? What are you doing on this lonely, wind-swept rock?

Helier

I am Helier. I live here.

Chief (mocking in tone)

You are Helier? Men, -this is the hermit, the holy man, of whom it has been said that even the waves and winds obey.

Helier

Why do you mock that which you do not understand?

Chief (looking at Helier)

We have heard of you, Helier. Your presence here gives courage and hope to those upon the land, and they will take heart, stand and fight. So you must leave this place; you may no longer stay here. Leave now, for against my might, you will not prevail.

Leave, or my blade will find its mark.

Pirate 1

Yes, leave now, or your blood will stain the sands red.

Helier

Are you afraid to let me stay and speak?

I tell you this: the word of God is sharper than any sword which man may forge; it will pierce you to the heart.

Pirate 2

He rambles. What does he mean to say?

Pirate 3

I don't know, but I don't like it.

Pirate 4

Shut up! I want to listen.

Helier

Will you hear me out?

Chief (puzzled, then mocking, especially on "great")

Your words are strange. Do you try -to change my mind?

I can see no merit in such an idle life as yours. If you seek to convince us, show us mighty deeds of valour, not empty words!

You must account for yourself, and tell us of your great labours!

Helier

It is true that I would rather be in my cave, seeking after quiet and solitude that I may better talk to God.

But I, too, have lived a life like yours; I have spent my life in many ways, both dissolute and wanton. And yet this was an empty life; it filled my belly, but left me hungry, and unsatisfied.

Have you never felt as I? Do not despair: God, in his mercy, has provided living bread.

Pirates (captivated, almost shouting)

What must we do?

Tell us: what must we do?

Helier

You must first turn from evil, and give up your wicked ways. Then God in his great

mercy will grant you forgiveness.

Chief (turns to his men)

By the dragon's teeth! Have you no sense?

Why do you listen to this man?

How could you enjoy your life without the plenty that we mean to take? Where is the

joy in poverty?

Remember, too, the great feast on our return. Where are such feasts in this man's gloomy creed?

Helier

By outward expression, my faith is hard to discern.

Yet I promise peace of mind, an inner joy and happiness.

You may dance and make merry at a feast.

But after, nothing remains, but cold ashes.

The joy I offer is eternal; it endures.

Chief (speaks with mounting anger)

An empty promise. I know this world and I see that to earth and ashes turns every flower. Nothing endures, and the life of man is but a thing of nought.

As you will surely learn! You are dangerous, smooth-tongued, and incite my men to betrayal with your honeyed words.

Your life is forfeit. Kill him!

Narrator (as he speaks pirate moves to Helier and stricks blow, Helier falls)

Upon this, a pirate rushed at Helier, and with one swift blow, felled him; then he raised his sword, and cut off his head.