This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

THE GOD OF VENGEANCE

Hindel

Quite a while ago. . . He must be asleep by now. (Softly.) She'll surely be down again soon.


Reizel, to Manke, in a merry mood.

Come, Manke, let's go out into the street. It's raining. The drops are like pearls. . . The first May shower. Who's coming out with me for a rain bath?


Manke, approaching the window.

It's raining. And what a thin drizzle. And how sweet it smells. . . Let's go out.


Basha

At home when we have a shower like this the gutters run over and flood the narrow lanes. And we take off our shoes and stockings and dance in the rain barefoot. . . Who's going to take her shoes off? (Removes her shoes and stockings.) Take off your shoes, Manke, and let's dance in the rain!


Manke, removes her stockings and lets down her hair.

There! Now let the rain soak us from head to foot. . . Standing in a May shower makes you grow. Isn't that so?


Basha, runs over.

Come. Let's splash each other. . . Let's sprinkle handfuls of raindrops over each other. (She

[ 57 ]