Death of Bernard of Clairvaux
Bernard of Clairvaux, the revered abbot and spiritual leader, lies on his deathbed in the infirmary of Clairvaux Abbey, surrounded by his devoted monks. His final moments are marked by prayers and a p
Setting
Inside the infirmary of Clairvaux Abbey, a simple stone-walled chamber with a high vaulted ceiling. The space is dimly lit, with a small window allowing a sliver of daylight to filter in. A wooden bed, covered with plain linen sheets, dominates the center of the room. The air is still, heavy with the scent of herbs and incense.
Characters
Bernard of Clairvaux
primary
A gaunt man in his early 60s, with sunken cheeks and deep-set eyes that still retain a piercing intensity. His once-robust frame is now weakened by illness, his skin pale and translucent like old parchment. His tonsured hair is thin and white, and his hands, resting on the bed covers, are bony with prominent veins.
Brother Simon
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late fifties, with deep-set eyes that seem to hold the weight of years of contemplation. His face is lined with wrinkles, each telling a story of devotion and hardship. His hands are rough from years of manual labor, yet they move with deliberate grace. His tonsured head reveals a scalp weathered by time, and his beard, streaked with gray, is neatly trimmed.
Brother Geoffrey
secondary
A young monk in his early twenties, slender with a pale complexion, his face smooth and unlined. His hair is shorn close to the scalp as per monastic custom, and his hands are delicate, accustomed to the careful work of scribing.
Abbey Physician
secondary
A middle-aged monk with a gaunt frame, indicative of a life dedicated to asceticism. His face is lined with both age and care, framed by a neatly trimmed tonsure. His hands, though calloused, move with precise gentleness—a testament to his medical practice. His brown eyes are watchful and calm, reflecting years of tending to the sick and dying.
Novice
background
A slender youth of approximately 16 years, with delicate features still bearing traces of childhood. His fair complexion is flushed from weeping, and his large blue eyes glisten with unshed tears. Thin wisps of light brown hair escape from beneath his monastic tonsure.
Dialog
Bernard of Clairvaux
Brothers... the Lord calls me home. Let not your hearts be troubled... for in my Father's house are many mansions.
Brother Simon
Pater noster... we are unworthy to witness such grace. May we follow your example unto our own ends.
Bernard of Clairvaux
Remember... the Rule and the Psalter... they shall be your comfort when memory of my voice fades.
Brother Simon
Sic transit gloria mundi... yet your words are etched upon our hearts as upon parchment.
Bernard of Clairvaux
The Bridegroom comes... I hear the Song of Songs anew...
Brother Simon
In manus tuas, Domine...
Bernard of Clairvaux
Let me... now... depart in peace...