Death of Wilfrid
Saint Wilfrid, a revered bishop and missionary, lies on his deathbed in a modest stone chapel in Oundle, surrounded by his closest followers. He delivers his final blessings and words of wisdom, prepa
Setting
A modest stone chapel in Oundle, Northamptonshire, with a simple wooden altar and a few benches. The chapel is small, with thick walls and narrow windows, typical of early Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical architecture. The floor is packed earth, covered with rushes.
Characters
Saint Wilfrid
primary
An elderly man in his late seventies, with a gaunt face marked by deep wrinkles and a prominent nose. His once-strong frame is now frail, lying weakly on a simple pallet. His hands, once used for blessing and labor, are now thin and veined, resting atop a rough woolen blanket. His white hair is thin and unkempt, and his beard is short and scraggly.
Abbot Cuthbert
primary
A middle-aged man of sturdy build with a tonsured head, his face weathered from years of monastic life. His deep-set eyes are framed by thick brows, and his hands, clasped in prayer, bear the calluses of both labor and writing. A neatly trimmed beard dusts his jaw.
Brother Eadfrith
secondary
A young monk in his early twenties, slender with a pale complexion and short, light brown hair cut in the monastic tonsure. His blue eyes are wide with distress, and his hands tremble slightly as they clutch a simple wooden crucifix.
Monastic Scribe
secondary
An elderly monk with a thin, wiry frame, hunched from years spent bent over manuscripts. His face is deeply lined, with a prominent nose and watery blue eyes that squint slightly from prolonged candlelit work. His hands are ink-stained, with long fingers accustomed to delicate penmanship.
Local Farmer
background
A middle-aged peasant man with a weathered face, deep-set wrinkles from years of labor under the sun, and calloused hands. His build is sturdy but slightly hunched from agricultural work, with broad shoulders and thick arms. His hair is thinning and streaked with grey, tied back loosely with a leather cord.
Dialog
Saint Wilfrid
Dominus vobiscum, my sons... The Lord calls me home, but His work remains with you.
Abbot Cuthbert
We shall keep the flame of faith burning bright, holy father, as you taught us.
Brother Eadfrith
Father, I—I cannot bear— Oh merciful Christ, preserve him!
Saint Wilfrid
Peace, child... The shepherd departs, but the flock remains in God's hand.
Abbot Cuthbert
The brethren shall sing vespers for your soul's journey this night and all nights to come.
Brother Eadfrith
Your teachings... your prayers... who will guide us now?
Saint Wilfrid
Christ is the true guide... I was but His humble servant... as you must now be.