Death of Saint Kevin
Saint Kevin, the revered founder of Glendalough, lies on his deathbed surrounded by his devoted monks. They pray fervently, preparing for his soul's journey to the afterlife, while grappling with the
Setting
A small wattle-and-daub cell within the monastic settlement of Glendalough, dimly lit by a few beeswax candles. The cell is simple, with a low ceiling and rough-hewn wooden beams. A narrow window allows a glimpse of the twin lakes outside, reflecting the fading evening light.
Characters
Saint Kevin
primary
An elderly man of slight build, his gaunt face marked by decades of asceticism. His long white beard is neatly combed, and his sunken eyes, though dim with approaching death, still hold a piercing spiritual intensity. His hands, resting on the rough woolen blanket, are calloused from years of manual labor and prayer.
Brother Cillian
primary
A lean man in his late 40s with sharp features, sunken cheeks from fasting, and piercing blue eyes that seem to see beyond the mortal world. His short-cropped hair is graying at the temples, and his hands are calloused from both labor and prayer.
Brother Fiachra
secondary
A young monk in his early twenties, slight of build with fair skin and a closely cropped tonsure. His hands are rough from manual labor, and his face is marked by a few scattered freckles. His blue eyes are wide with distress, and his lower lip trembles slightly.
Brother Colmán
secondary
An elderly monk in his late 60s, with a frail but wiry frame. His face is deeply lined from decades of ascetic living, with a prominent nose and sharp, observant eyes that still retain their keenness despite his age. His hands are gnarled from years of scribal work but move with practiced precision.
Novice Cormac
background
A young novice of approximately 15 years, slight of build with a pale complexion and wide, innocent eyes. His tonsured hair is uneven, suggesting recent initiation into monastic life. His hands are smooth, unmarked by labor, and he clutches a beeswax candle with both hands to steady his trembling.
Dialog
Saint Kevin
The Lord is my shepherd... I shall not want... He maketh me to lie down in green pastures...
Brother Cillian
Pater noster, qui es in caelis... sanctificetur nomen tuum...
Brother Colmán
Domine, labia mea aperies... et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam...
Saint Kevin
My children... keep the rule... and the Lord will keep you...
Brother Cillian
We will, father... as you have taught us... in life and now in death...
Brother Colmán
Let these words be written... as a testament to your faith... and ours...
Saint Kevin
Into thy hands... O Lord... I commend my spirit...