Election of Alberic as Abbot of Molesme
The monks of Molesme Abbey gather in solemn assembly to elect Alberic as their new abbot, a pivotal moment that will shape the future of their monastic community.
Setting
The chapter house of Molesme Abbey, a rectangular stone hall with arched windows and a vaulted ceiling. The room is filled with rows of wooden benches arranged in a semicircle facing a raised dais where the election will take place.
Characters
Alberic
primary
A lean man in his late 40s with a gaunt face marked by deep-set eyes that burn with quiet intensity. His tonsured scalp shows streaks of grey in the remaining dark hair circling his head. His hands are calloused from manual labor, with ink stains on his right fingertips from chronic scribing.
Prior Robert
primary
A gaunt man in his late fifties with sharp cheekbones and deep-set gray eyes that seem to pierce through those he observes. His thin lips are pressed tightly together, and his pale complexion contrasts with the dark circles under his eyes, suggesting many sleepless nights. His hands are long-fingered and slightly trembling.
Brother Stephen
secondary
A gaunt man in his late 50s with a deeply lined face that speaks of both austerity and wisdom. His tonsured head shows thinning gray hair, and his pale blue eyes have a piercing quality. His hands are rough from years of manual labor but move with precise gestures when speaking.
Brother Giles
secondary
A young monk in his early twenties, with a lean but sturdy build, clean-shaven face, and bright, expressive eyes that reflect his youthful enthusiasm. His short brown hair is tonsured in the style of the Benedictine order.
Brother Martin
background
An elderly monk in his late 70s, with a frail but dignified frame. His face is deeply lined with age, marked by prominent wrinkles around his kind eyes and a thin, slightly stooped posture. His hands, clasped in prayer, show signs of arthritis and years of labor. A wispy white tonsure crowns his otherwise bald head, and his pale blue eyes reflect quiet devotion.
Dialog
Prior Robert
Secundum regulam Sancti Benedicti, ita ut eligamus abbatem dignum... frater Albericus nominatur.
Brother Stephen
Sicut psalmista dicit... 'Veritas de terra orta est'. Frater Albericus has shown the wisdom of Solomon in guiding our chapter.
Alberic
Non sum dignus... Sed si ita placet fratribus, consideremus primum regulam in capitulo septimo: 'Humilitas'.
Prior Robert
Ita ut... verba tua probant quod dicimus. Nonne scriptum est in Regula: 'Oboedientiae bonum'?
Brother Stephen
Pater Robert, secundum consuetudinem nostram... placeatne tibi ut procedamus ad scrutinium?