V - 5.

Fernando (Cont'd.)

either, Senorita Saldivar! You humiliated her with your
remarks -- you drove her home in tears by your rudeness.
Be rude in your own house -- not in ours!

Josefa

(With quick anger)

I'll be rude wherever I damn well please!

Fernando

Someday you'll get slapped.

Josefa

(Unable to believe her ears)

Slapped?

Me - slapped!

Cuco

(angrily)

See here - you young - !

Pilar

(quickly)

No, no, Cuco! Let him alone.

Josefa

What kind of a family - !

Pilar

He doesn't know what he's saying, he's - he's been drinking.

Fernando

I know well enough.

Pilar

(Embarrassed and ashamed)

Really, he doesn't - he'll apologize tomorrow -- he'll be
ashamed of himself - he isn't like this, he --

Fernando

Lay on the plaster, whiten the sepulchre! Paint your pretty
picture, and fall in a swoon of admiration!

(With cold emphasis)

I know what I'm saying, my fine sister. I'm going to marry
Ninon.

Pilar

(appalled)

You couldn't.

Fernando

In spite of you!

Pilar

You can't -- Father will prevent it.

V - 7.

Fernando

(With mocking sardonic defiance)

Disinherited, by God! Thrust from the splendor and the
glory! No sister, no brother, no kin! Freedom triumphant.
I embrace you for this deliverance!

Josefa

(With crazy despair)

Oh! That I'd ever find myself rolling, positively rolling
in corruption! And all because he won't go to a party!

(The mood is broken. PILAR seizes the
moment to pull it back to normal)

Pilar

I'm sorry, Josefa. If he doesn't want to go - it doesn't
matter, anyway.

(With hardly any hope)

Trino won't go, I know. Will you, Trino?

Trino

No.

Pilar

Cuco! I have it! Couldn't we just go without a chaperon?

Cuco

Would you dare? I would!

Pilar

Oh yes, Cuco. It can't be a crime exactly. Let's do it!

Josefa

(This is too much)

For heaven's sake, Cuco! Pilar, such a thing to say!

Pilar

Is it so bad?

Josefa

(Quite overcome with amazed indignation)

Cuco, how could you let her even consider it? It's indecent.
Have you lost your mind completely? They'd never stop
chattering. Such vile things they'd say!

Pilar

What could they say?

Josefa

They'd say you were one of those loose women from New York,
that Cuco was running after you just to get what he wanted,
and without any idea of marrying you -- and --

V - 8.

Cuco

Josefa, for God's sake!

Josefa

(Not stopping)

-- and they'd remember Uncle Bernardino, the way he carried on with just anybody who was female and - oh, the way they talk! It's disgraceful!

Pilar

Oh, Josefa -- all of you! It doesn't matter at all. I thought it would be such fun - our first day at home - seeing the people - a typical Yucatecan party - it would be new. I remember hardly anything. I used to creep along the <u>corredor</u> when I was little -- and try to hear what was going on, but I couldn't hear a thing but the noise, mostly the thump of the drum -- and then someone always spotted me and shooed me off to bed again.

(Sitting down, run down by her efforts
to shut Josefa's mouth)

We'll stay here. It's better anyway. The night's a dream.
The music's lovely.

Trino

You might listen to it, then.

Pilar

(subsiding)

Oh.

(They all listen a moment, as the music
continues)

Josefa

(After fidgeting in disdain a moment)

The Indians don't know how to play. Such a banging.

Pilar

I'd rather be here. I would, really.

Josefa

I wouldn't. There's nothing to keep me here. Nor you
either, Cuco. I'm going to the De la Sernss so you'll have
to take me.

Pilar

Yes, Cuco, Josefa's bored. Please take her.

Cuco

I'd rather not, thank you very much.

Pilar

It must be dismal for you here.

Cuco

I'll make out.

V - 9.

Josefa

He won't go. I see it all. And I know why he won't. You don't have to be a mind reader, either. Men are awful.

Cuco

Shut up, Josefa!

Josefa

Such a lovely party it was going to be, too. The band is to play in the living room -- refreshments in the new *jacal* they've built for a play room. Just like an Indian *jacal*, only not shabby, like an Indian one. A concrete floor painted vermilion, and gold chairs! Such a gold! And here we are -- not even a chair to sit on -- listening to Indians trying to entertain us. What a life it is!

(The Indians have been getting up and leaving, the song gradually being dropped by one after the other)

Pilar

What are they doing?

Trino

What would you do in their shoes?

Josefa

(With a silly complaining wail)

They're leaving! Just as we get settled. We weren't doing a thing, not a thing. Oh, the Indians -- always insulting you without opening their mouths! It's disgusting!

Trino

Can you blame them?

Josefa

Certainly, I can blame them! Who do they think they are, these days?

Trino

Good God, these are men - with feelings -- not inanimate objects, not so many picturesque Indians in a Rivera painting! They work like dogs, and live on a starvation diet of beans -- and not enough of them -- to put cake in your mouth and silk on your backs and gold chairs to sit on!

(The Indians are pausing, listening)

They sit there on the hemp mill -- the very symbol of their oppression and slavery -- and make a song. And you can't even listen! Go to your stupid party, with your bands from Cuba, and guzzle champagne -- you'll live to regret it! There are people, and I'm one of them -- who'll never rest till you're all down, down in the dirt where you belong!

V - 10.

Trino (Cont'd.)

Get out, get out -- all of you -- and leave a little privacy
to your betters!

Fernando

(Dangerously, approaching him)

And what do you think you are now, my brother? Are the
Indians yours? Do the down-trodden belong to you now that
your brother has deserted? You were here. Have you a better
right to be here than we have?

Trino

(Sickened by his defection)

Fernando!

Fernando

Have you?

Trino

(His voice low)

I was invited. Get out.

Pilar

(Distressed and uncertain)

Perhaps we'd better. Josefa. Cuco. I'm sorry this
happened. It's my fault.

Cuco

He can't talk like that to us!

Josefa

He most assuredly cannot! It isn't done. See here -- little
Trino -- we're your guests.

Trino

You're my enemy.

Fernando

(Facing him dangerously)

I am your enemy, my brother.

Trino

(slowly)

I've found that out, Fernando.

(With deep hurt and growing anger)

You used to talk about the servitude of the millions, the
blind crawling in darkness who needed help, and I listened
and learned. It was talk - it meant nothing to you - I see
that now -- But I listened. I used to pray to God to make
me like you - in your image, your clear belief, your passion!
Your words rang in my ears - "Give me a place," you said -
"where the issues are clear. Then if you die, you'll know
why your blood has been shed." Once you said that. Where

V - 11.

## Trino (Cont'd.)

have you gone, what hideous lechery of the blood has betrayed
you? Here, the issues are clear -- too clear!

### Fernando

Yes, clear - crystal clear! In this country of darkness!
This is a land of masters - don't you see it? -- of right
and wrong, the washed and the filthy, the mighty and the
diseased! Nothing between! And there are rules for every-
thing. You've just listened to a few of them. Obey them
and live. Violate them and die! Can't you see it yet!
Is the fog and the dream still in your eyes to blind you?
You were born one of the masters. So was I. And I keep
what I've got, and get all I can the way everyone does in
this benighted hell-hole! I'll show you who gives the
orders -- and who obeys!

(To one of the Indians, in a fury of
drunken passion)

Play, Chucho, play! Do you hear me?

### Chucho

#### Senor?

### Fernando

A song! Make it roar in our ears like doom -- the kind you
sing when you think no one can hear - a song to chill the
blood - that blinding day that's to come - when you strike
off the chains, and are free! Sing it!

### Trino

### Fernando!

### Fernando

I command you, you greasy bastard! Sing!

### Chucho

As you say, Senor Fernando.

(The Indian strums his guitar softly.
He is lifting his voice, dim and troubled,
when one of the Indians jerks out his
*machete* like lightning, leaps upon the
platform)

### Trino

### Chucho!

#### Voices

What's he doing! Stop him!

(The GIRLS cry out)

(The *machete* crashes down, one swift
brutal stroke, and the guitarist lies
in a huddled heap of death)

V - 12.

Voices

I couldn't stop him!
Why did he do it?
Holy Mother!

Josefa

Cuco!

(She clings to him)

Beto

(Stops over the body, straightens up)

He's dead.

Trino

(To Fernando, sickened)

You did it - you!

(He turns away, bent over)

Pilar

(Her heart pounding with horror)

A minute ago he -- !

Beto

No matter who fights, what brother against what brother --
it's the Indian who dies.

Pilar

A little while ago they were all singing.

(She looks fearfully at the night)

I'm afraid. Afraid!

CURTAIN

INTERMISSION

VI - 2.

Don Severo

The first son of my house.

(To Ninon)

My child.

Cuco

(Cordially, but a little embarrassed)

Congratulations.

Josefa

Well, you are a fine-looking couple, I'll say that, at least!

I have to wish you well.

(Everyone laughs)

Pilar

(Coming over to Fernando)

Fernando.

(She embraces him - turns to Ninon)

Ninon - if I've spoken ill of you, forgive me now.

Ninon

Yes, Pilar.

Pilar

(gently)

Make him happy.

Ninon

Yes.

Pilar

I know you will. And that will be the joy you're looking for, won't it?

Ninon

Yes, Pilar.

Pilar

(With sincere wonder)

You're not afraid to go into the *chicle* jungles with him?

Ninon

What is there to be afraid of?

Pilar

The loneliness -- no friends.

Ninon

I love Fernando.

Pilar

(troubled)

The crawling jungles, the horrible stillness at night, the

VI - 3.

Pilar (Cont'd.)

pests of the air -- a miserable hut to live in -- the heat --
are you so brave?

Ninon

I have my husband.

Pilar

(tenderly)

And he has you. He's lucky, after all.

Ninon

Thank you, Pilar.

(PILAR embraces her)

The Priest

The sun is rising, my children. His benediction will be
added to our own. The day begins.

Josefa

(complaining)

Six in the morning -- what an hour for a wedding!

Dona Candita

(serenely)

It's the classic hour for a Yucatecan wedding, Josefa.

Josefa

I suppose it's all right -- but it's a nuisance, all the same.
I'm perishing.

(She yawns fearfully)

Dona Candita

And hungry, no doubt. There's breakfast in the dining room.

(As the Indian WOMEN approach with
mugs of freshly-beaten individual
chocolate)

And see -- the chocolate is ready. Smell the cinnamon!

Bring it with you. Oh, such food -- Maruca has been cooking
for days! Father. Come in. All of you.

(They all go out, except JOSEFA, who
calls CUCO as he is about to leave)

Josefa

I never thought I'd live to see the day!

Cuco

(Amused at her woeful appearance)

Josefa, you look groggy! Such a face!

Josefa

Six in the morning! How could you ask me to get up so

VI - 4.

Josefa (Cont'd.)

early? And for such a purpose. They say the wedding was here
at the <u>hacienda</u> -- for reasons.

Cuco

(Bored with her)

What reasons?

Josefa

The family is ashamed of the marriage. They were afraid to
have it in town.

Cuco

What nonsense!

Josefa

Oh, not nonsense at all!

(Lowering her voice)

They say something else, too. <u>He had</u> to marry her.

Cuco

(Not the least bit interested)

Who says so? Come on, I'm starving.

Josefa

Everyone says so.

Cuco

Well, what of it?

Josefa

Oh, nothing now. It's all right now - they're married. Now
there won't be a scandal. That's a comfort.

Cuco

(Smiling)

To you, Josefa?

Josefa

Of course to me! Cuco - such a thing I heard in town! It's
said that as early as two months ago the little Ninon was --
you know what! But Don Severo is a doctor -- don't forget
-- he has all those diplomas -- so the little matter was
taken care of -- and just in time!

Cuco

(Disgusted with her)

Josefa, you know that's a lie. How can you listen to such - !

Josefa

It was told me for true - yes, by a first cousin of the Tuero-
Juanito -- the one who put both his eyes out for spite --
just so he wouldn't have to look at his wife anymore. And
who could blame him? If there was ever a more horrible
unsightly mass of . . .

VI - 5.

Cuco

Josefa, I forbid you to gossip about the Crespos!

Josefa

Oh, protect them. It's well known why you hang around them all the time.

(CUCO turns away with despairing impatience)

Fernando could have waited, it seems to me. It isn't as if he was getting a prize, either. That cheap little bag of flea-bitten nothing!

(NINON comes out of the house)

Ninon

Mother Candita says won't you please come in to breakfast.

Josefa

(Going to her)

Darling little Ninon! Did you ever think all this would come to pass - did you?

Ninon

I hoped it would, Senorita Saldivar.

Josefa

Naturally you did, little lamb -- naturally you did. Every girl does. What else is there for her to hope for? But you know how it happens too often in Yucatan -- if a girl gives herself to her fiance before they're safely married, the brute refuses to marry her at all!

Ninon

Please, Senorita.

Josefa

Oh, my child, I don't mean you. Everybody knows about you, you dear thing. But it's been the fate of so many girls -- girls who were unwise, I mean. Women are weak, yes, they are indeed! I wonder why it is men champ at the bit so! It gives me the creeps. But you are a lucky little bride, and I hope such happiness for you. Here, do drink my chocolate. It's too rich for me.

(She puts the mug in her hands)

(NINON looks at her for a troubled violent moment, and slams it on the floor. She runs into the house)

Well, for the love of the saints -- I didn't open my head! Such impudence - it's insufferable! At six in the morning. You know what it does -- it proves it -- every word I said! Oh, a nest - veritably a nest! How can you want to marry into such pollution?

VI - 6.

Cuco

(furiously)

You ought to be shut up in a hole somewhere. You're a foul-mouthed slut, Josefa!

Josefa

Foul-mouthed, am I? I speak only the truth which everybody knows - but you can't hear it because you're mad for the precious Pilar!

(cunningly)

And where do you spend your evenings now -- my little brother! Oh, I hear you creeping in at dawn!

Cuco

My business is my own!

Josefa

Night after night! Such behavior! But bad as you are, I condone everything, I bow my head, I . . .

Cuco

You're the bitch of the world, Josefa!

Josefa

Bitch, am I? And all because I want to save you from messing yourself up completely! Now I'll really tell you something. You noticed that Trino wasn't here at the wedding, didn't you? Well, where is he -- what's become of him, would you like to know! I'll tell you! Your fine holy Crespos!

(PILAR comes out of the house)

Pilar

Aren't you hungry, Josefa?

Josefa

Ravenous, ravenous!

Pilar

Please come in and eat.

Josefa

(going)

I thought you were starving, Cuco.

Cuco

Go ahead.

Josefa

(With her nasty meanings)

Starving -- and you can wait? It isn't like you, not at all. I never saw you wait before - for something you wanted.

(She goes in)

VI - 7.

Cuco

(bursting out)

My sister's a witch! A venomous old witch! Like most of the
high-born ladies of Merida.

Pilar

I know. I suppose today gives them plenty to talk about.

Cuco

<u>Any</u> day! If nothing happens, they're very inventive.

Pilar

Why are they like that?

Cuco

Their world is here, this little peninsula. It's all they
know. The big world doesn't intrude very much. And they
have nothing else to do, so they talk, the bitches!

Pilar

(thoughtfully)

The leisure and security their ancestors created for them --
and this is the way we use it!

Cuco

Not you, Pilar. You're not like that.

Pilar

I'm not any better.

Cuco

You're a million times better! Pilar - listen to me. I
won't let you talk against yourself.

Pilar

You can't stop me thinking. I'm sick of everything - myself
most of all.

Cuco

What is it? You're troubled. Is it the wedding? You didn't
want Fernando to marry her.

Pilar

It's what he wanted. She loves him deeply. I've accepted
it -- even his going away to the steaming jungle to work in
the <u>chicle</u>.

Cuco

Then, what?

(genuinely)

You know I'm your friend. If you're unhappy, I'm miserable
as hell, you know that. Can't you trust me?

VI - 8.

Pilar

(Harassed but kindly)

I do trust you, Cuco. Only there's so much -- why should
you bother with the Crespo problems? That's what's on my
mind most of the time now, why I seem so abstracted and
dull -- sometimes unkind to you, Cuco, whom I don't want
ever to be unkind to.

Cuco

Thank you, Pilar. But why don't you think of yourself --
not always of the Crespos?

Pilar

But I do.

Cuco

No, it's always the family, the family!

Pilar

I _must_ think of them.

(With febrile distress)

I can't forget that it was I who forced us all to come back
here. I thought it would be better -- it's got to be --
even if -- !

(Seeing it clearly)

Cuco. That day in February - the sky was so blue and the
air so amber. We drove from the docks of Progreso. Merida
was like the swept snug house of a rich peasant expecting
a visit from the king. The open carriages and the hoof-
beats of horses echoed in the still streets. The smell
of flowers burst over their walls, drowning the senses.
And the road here - like the first road of the world - not
a cloud over it - the assured bell-song of birds startled
by our passing - the lovely hemp - the miles of stone. And
at last Techoh... I cried for joy! Then --

(Her face darkens)

Cuco

Then?

Pilar

Chela killed that magic -- oh, she couldn't help it, she had
to! She went away.

(Seeing it darkly)

And that night -- our first night here -- in the hemp mill
there was sudden bloody death.

Cuco

Oh, Pilar, don't think of it!

Pilar

(unheeding)

A sign.

VI - 10.

Cuco

You never let me see you alone any more. What have I done?
My God, I'm dying, can't you see it? I used to think obla-
tion - true oblation - would melt a heart of stone. I was
wrong.

Pilar

You aren't wrong, Cuco. Be patient. Please be patient.

Cuco

How can I be, how?

Pilar

(As the voice begins to be clear)

Listen!

(They listen. It is unmistakably
Chela singing)

Cuco

Why, it's --

Pilar

(overjoyed)

It's Chela! On the radio. She's done it!

Cuco

You see -- ?

Pilar

Yes, Cuco.

Cuco

Your foolish foolish fears.

Pilar

I'll get mother.

(She hurries in the house to do so.
The song goes on. It is a common
song of the cheap cabarets of Havana.
CUCO listens curiously.

DONA CANDITA hurries out, her face
radiant. PILAR follows)

Dona Candita

It is! Little Chelita! A miracle!

(They listen. The joy in DONA
CANDITA'S face slowly vanishes.
She sits down in a chair. When
the song ends, her handkerchief
is at her eyes)

VI - 11.

## Voice of the Radio

You have just heard *Las Desgraciadas*, sung by Senorita Chelita Crespo.

(Other music begins to come over softly.)

PILAR, deeply troubled, goes to her Mother.)

## Dona Candita

(Lifting her head)

The song . . . so strange . . . Is it a nice song, Pilar?

## Pilar

Of course, mother. Of course.

(She lifts her up gently, takes her to the door of the house.)

DONA CANDITA goes in.)

(facing him)

What do you think now?

## Cuco

Well, I -- very nice. She sings well.

## Pilar

But -- something -- is it the kind of song -- ?

## Cuco

It's the kind they all sing.

## Pilar

All who, Cuco?

(No answer)

Tell me.

## Cuco

The whores of Havana.

## Pilar

(Sighs deeply)

Yes.

## Cuco

(protesting)

What of it? The girls have to. People like it. What's the matter with it, anyway? She sings very well.

## Pilar

Yes.

## Cuco

Oh here, Pilar! - you ought to be celebrating! She's doing

VI - 12.

Cuco (Cont'd.)

what she wants to -- doing it damn well -- She's a singer --
she's on the radio -- you ought to be glad for her!

Pilar

(Recovering - grateful for his help)

I am. I'm glad, Cuco. I'll make myself be glad.

Cuco

(Tenderly)

Little Pilar. When you first came, you seemed hard and
ruthless -- but so desirable.

(His deep feeling surging up)

I loved you then.

Pilar

(softly, touched)

I know you did.

Cuco

I couldn't help myself, my eyes followed you everywhere, my
thoughts -- ! You're different to me now. Not so cold to
me -- softer, more alluring than ever. I loved you then.

I love you even more now. Don't keep me waiting, Pilar.

(With deep bitterness)

It's hell. You don't know!

(Pleading and strong)

You've been here since February. Seven months. Seven times
I've asked you to marry me. What is it to be? You've said
"No" so often.

Pilar

(With a little smile)

Four times, Cuco. The fifth was "perhaps".

Cuco

And the sixth, "maybe".

(bitterly)

What good is "maybe"!

Pilar

And the last time - I remember it well - we were under the
almond tree and the leaves were falling all around us. I
said, "Soon I'll decide, soon I'll tell you, Cuco. Don't
be sad. I'm not worth it."

Cuco

Pilar.

(With grave tension)

Will you marry me?

Pilar

Yes.

VI - 14.

Pilar

(thoughtfully)

Lose the *hacienda*? It can't be true.

Cuco

Very soon, little baby. The government has already dismembered the estates in the Laguna district. They're beginning in Vera Cruz. Next Yucatan. It won't be long.

Pilar

It won't happen. It can't. Can't it be stopped?

Cuco

Not a chance. Cardenas is a determined man, and the Indians are back of him. He's arming them too - in case there's trouble.

Pilar

(quietly)

I prayed for a year here - and the year is going - it's October already, and so many things have gone wrong...

Cuco

There you are -- at it again! Worrying.

Pilar

Who will if I don't?

Cuco

I'll do it, little Pilar. For us both. From this time forth. You'll marry me - practically at once -- we'll get the hell out of Yucatan - travel -- Paris, London -- !

Pilar

I couldn't - not right away.

Cuco

You *will*.

Pilar

Desert them? Cuco, I got them into this. I have to see them out of it. You understood it before. Understand it now.

Cuco

(Sulky and accusing)

You don't love me at all.

Pilar

I *do*.

Cuco

How can I wait any longer? The agony goes on - only it's worse now.

VI - 16.

Pilar (Cont'd.)

lifts out a beautiful old dress)

Cuco!

Cuco

Your wedding dress.

Pilar

(overcome)

Oh!

(She holds it close to her)

(JOSEFA comes out of the house)

Josefa

Pilar - in the name of all the saints - what are you doing with that dress, grandmother's wedding dress?

Pilar

(Quite crazily)

Josefa, Josefa!

(She seizes her, whirls her round)

I'm to be married in it - to Cuco - darling Cuco, wonderful

Cuco! I love Cuco, I love everybody!

(She runs into the house)

Josefa

Merciful heavens - madness! It'll never fit her -- never!

CURTAIN

VII - 2.

Beto

New Yorkers must look very silly, then.

Trino

You'd be surprised how silly.

(He starts to eat. PILAR and DONA CANDITA appear at the door)

Trino

(Jumping up)

Visitors! Come in.

(THEY come in. BETO gets up)

Dona Candita

We're intruding.

Trino

No, little mamsie.

Dona Candita

You're eating your dinner.

Trino

And there's plenty for you. Will you? I'll get it. It's outside on the fire.

Dona Candita

We eat at one - as always. I'll wait.

Trino

Well, sit down, anyway, Pilar.

(He shows them places to sit. THEY sit down)

Dona Candita

Good day to you, Beto.

Beto

Good day, Dona Candita.

Dona Candita

(To Trino)

Are you comfortable here?

Trino

In every way.

Dona Candita

What are you eating?

Trino

Posole.

Dona Candita

Holy Mother. Is that all?

VII - 3.

Trino

No, baby. We have <u>tortillas</u> of maize . . . And a melon --
fresh from the vine.

Dona Candita

But hot from the sun.

Trino

Not a bit of it. See!

(He lifts it out of a tub of water)

Cooling.

Dona Candita

I've brought you some cakes, and a pudding. I made them for
you -- for both of you. The pudding is a little fallen, I
don't know how it happened. I am disappointed in that
pudding. But the taste is there.

Trino

Thank you, mother.

Dona Candita

I haven't been in an Indian <u>jacal</u> since I was a girl.

(Looking about)

It seems clean here.

Trino

Of course it's clean. A broom in the morning -- and much
scrubbing at night. It's easy. What did you expect?

Dona Candita

I don't know. Dirt -- pigs all over the place.

(TRINO laughs.

BETO smiles)

Trino

There is a pig -- but he seems to be out. He hasn't smelled
the food yet.

Pilar

We've hardly seen you - for over a month, Trino. Since
Fernando's wedding.

Trino

I know.

Pilar

We see you only in the distance - or crossing the lawn at
nightfall.

Trino

I've been busy.

Pilar

You look pale, Trino.

VII - 4.

Trino

(cheerfully)

When you lift rocks all day in the broiling sun -- you're
bound to show it a little.

Dona Candita

Lift rocks, Trino? Why is that?

Trino

For a new milpa. Beto and I have cleared away a new piece
of the jungle. Now we're piling up the mojoneras, laying
out the field. This month -- a barren place. Next month --
the corn, green shoots. Eventually - harvest, food in the
stomach, happiness in the heart. That's the way it goes.

Dona Candita

Are there not Indians enough to do such work?

Trino

Ah -- and to spare. But they're busy in the hemp. They
haven't any time to raise food for themselves. So I must
work, too.

(A pause)

Dona Candita

I'm troubled, son.

Trino

What is it?

Dona Candita

Why did our forefathers toil so -- if their descendants
have to struggle like the beasts of the field?

Trino

Our forefathers toil, mama? Cracking a whip all day long,
till their fat right arms ached -- was that work?

Dona Candita

I don't understand you.

Trino

Don't try, little mother.

Put me down for a fool.

Dona Candita

You aren't painting any more.

Trino

Painting? Rot!

What good is it?

Pilar

I liked your painting, Trino.

VII - 5.

Trino

I don't remember it that way, Pilar.

Dona Candita

You painted so beautifully!

Trino

Flowers in a vase -- flowers alert -- flowers dropping their
petals -- flowers dead on their stems!

Dona Candita

I have kept them all.

Trino

(With his first show of violence, but
quiet and controlled)

No, mother! Don't keep them! They're sickening and they're
a lie! Burn them, <u>mamacita</u>, burn them! Don't have such
lies about you. Open your eyes and see!

Dona Candita

(softly)

My eyes are old - and tired of looking. What I see hurts
me -- like staring at the sun. Forgive me, son. I'll go
now.

(She gets up)

Trino

(Going to her, touched)

Mother, sweet little mother.

Dona Candita

You love me, don't you, Trino?

Trino

You know I do, mother.

Dona Candita

Come back to us.

Trino

I'm here. I'm by your side.

Dona Candita

Come back to your old room -- in the house of your people.

Trino

No, mother.

Dona Candita

I beg you!

Trino

(Turning away, troubled by his inability
to comply)

I can't.

VII - 6.

Dona Candita

Where are you going -- what are you doing with the life I
gave you from my body? What folly and madness possesses
you? Come back.

Trino

(Quiet and sure)

Death is in that house, Mother. The walls are cracking.
In the darkness of night, haven't you heard the shifting of
stone on stone?

Dona Candita

The house has stood this long. It will stand.

Trino

Not long, Mother.

Dona Candita

It was built to last forever.

Trino

So were the temples of Uxmal, the mighty pyramid of Chichen!
But the jungle - the living vine - the crawling vital
piercing tendrils creep at the base, at every crack -- and
make of their splendor a jumble of stones for lizards and
vermin to breed in! Life is in the earth, mother -- in the
earth and the people of the earth -- not in the arrogant
stone!

Pilar

You're hurting her!

Trino

I'm sorry.

(fiercely)

You put her up to it, Pilar!

Dona Candita

No, it is from me, your sorrowing mother.

Trino

(tenderly)

I do what I must do, little mother. You've borne a lot.
Bear this.

Dona Candita

We've lost Chela -- Fernando. Must we count you among the
lost ones?

Trino

I'm here, mother. And for the first time in my life - happy.

Dona Candita

(Touched, bowing to her fate)

I must content myself with that, then - if you are happy.
I'll try, son, I'll try.

VII - 7.

Pilar

Why must she be content with that? Why are the old asked to
bend and bend, till they can bend no more? You're cruel,
Trino.

Trino

This is between me and mother.

Pilar

(accusingly)

Will you kill her? She's with us for a little time only,
you know that. What are you doing, in this wilful and
selfish way, that's so important it can't wait?

Trino

Wait!

Pilar

(With contempt)

Lifting stones, sweating in the fields like an ox -- what
good is it?

Trino

(sharp and sultry)

That isn't it! How little you understand! I'm allied with
something at last -- can't you see it? -- allied with some-
thing -- and it's no longer death. I'll help all I can to
wipe out the stench of rottenness in this land -- the stench
our fathers left behind them!

Pilar

Fernando talked that way in New York. Thank God he got
over it!

Trino

And how did he get over it? Why? His own pollution -- and
a piece of flesh he wanted! And he's forgotten everything!

Pilar

(With deadly emphasis)

You'd do well to do the same.

Trino

Is it on that side you bark now? I seem to remember you
hated his marriage, you thought it beneath him.

Pilar

(With sharp insistence)

His marriage was a mistake! I say so still. But a natural
one. Not like you, my brother -- not like you! Fernando's
mistake was a natural one!

(A horrible thing is happening. They
both know it, the air is tense with

VII - 8.

it -- but they are powerless to stop.
The words pour out, swift and barbed)

Trino

What do you mean?

Pilar

(With heated contempt, her meaning
still veiled)

Can't you even talk to your own family any more without
others present? Why is this? Are you a coward alone?

Trino

Nearly all men are cowards alone.

Pilar

(With cutting passion)

There's reason for your bravery now, little brother! And I
know what it is! I'm not blind - and I won't be silent.

This sore will see the light, do you hear? You have Beto,
that's what it is -- you have Beto and you're not afraid!

My brother's a *puto*, a stinking *puto!*

Trino

(His voice husky with menace)

Take it back!

Pilar

I won't!

(TRINO slaps her. She stands unbending, in deadly defiance)

I say it again!

Trino

(sickened)

You make me sick at my stomach.

(With accusing power)

Would I be having an affair with my brother? Would I? Not
with my brother -- or with any man!

Pilar

(With superb contempt)

Brother!

Trino

Yes, *brother!* Beto is my brother -- *your* brother.

Pilar

Recognized by whom?

Trino

By me!

VII - 10.

Father!

Trino

Yes. It's happened.
The blow has fallen.

Don Severo
The Government's order of dispossession.

(To herself)

At last.

(Lifting her head)

When do we have to leave?

Pilar

At once. This afternoon.

Don Severo
Or tonight.

(rising)

So much to do. Does mother know?

Pilar

Not yet. It's hard to --

Don Severo
will you tell her, Pilar!

(After a moment, seeing how hard it
will be)

Yes. I'll tell her.

Poor mother! This, too.

Trino

I can't pretend to be sad about it. I thought it would never come!

Don Severo

(reminded)

There's more, Trino . . .

(Looking at the letter)

The government knows your interest and concern for the welfare of the Indians. "Your son, Trinidad," it says. "He will report at once to the office of Sr. del Rio in Merida, to assist in the partitioning of all <u>haciendas</u> in eastern Yucatan."

Trino

Father!

Don Severo

Also -- "An Indian boy on the <u>hacienda</u> of Techoh," - Beto, it means. "Will render aid and advice in the correct dismemberment and reapportionment of the lands of the <u>hacienda</u> of Techoh, where he now resides."

Trino

But what -- how did they know?

VII - 11.

Don Severo

They asked me for suggestions.

Trino

I could kiss you for this!

Pilar

(Knowing the answer)

You'll do what they tell you, Trino? You're on their side?

Trino

Can you doubt it?

Pilar

No.

(Hunting something to cling to)

Was there no other mail, father -- word from Chela?

Fernando?

Don Severo

Yes. A letter from Fernando.

Pilar

What does he say? Let me have it.

Don Severo

(reluctantly)

Hardly anything.

Pilar

Is he doing well, is he all right?

Don Severo

(Lifting the letter, skimming
through it)

"Bitten with flies, lice... the putrid food... The steam-
ing unbearable heat of the <u>chicle</u> jungle... Ninon is preg-
nant... I lie in my hammock at night, cursing..."

(He stops)

Pilar

Yes.

Don Severo

"Cursing the blood that drove us to this... cursing myself for being so low as to blame anyone else for my weakness and my despair."

(PILAR bows her head, goes. A moment of a feeling silence)

(His voice low)

Fernando -- my first-born son. He was to be the solace and the comfort of my old age.

## SCENE EIGHT

### SCENE:

Dona Candita's bedroom again, that
night. The room is stripped for
departure, except for the altar,
a chair, the pictures, some things
piled on the rumpled great bed.
The room is spottily lighted,
with ominous shadows at the cor-
ners, and sudden splashes of light
from the kerosene lamps. The
radio is still there, and a voice
is coming over it.

DONA CANDITA and PILAR are listen-
ing, breathless and tense. DONA
CANDITA is dressed for traveling.
Pilar's clothes are severe --
worthy of tragedy.

### Voice

(Tense and dynamic)

Attention, senoras y senores! News comes of a series of further tragedies in the state of Yucatan. The partitioning of the haciendas has begun there, as decreed by the federal government. On the hacienda of Don Alberto Solis, the Indians, inflamed to passion against Senor Solis for his cruelties and abuses over the many years of their servitude, seized tonight the moment of their coming to power to raid the Solis house and to massacre all people within. The dead: Don Alberto, his wife, his young daughter. The older son escaped with his life, but on the road to Merida was ambushed and left in the road for dead. He will recover.

Dona Candita

Poor Dona Rafaela! In the old days, I knew her.

### Voice

Also at the hacienda of the Three Towers -- the dead: all members of the family of Don Fausto Padillo. That is all. We take you now to our studios.

(The radio switches to dim music)

Dona Candita

Pilar - we are to be murdered.

Pilar

No, no, mamacita! For cruelties and abuses, the radio says.
We've not been cruel.

Dona Candita

(With a touch of prescience)

It's not what we've done - it's what we are.

VIII - 2.

Dona Candita (Cont'd.)

(There is a burst of singing, loud and throbbing with triumph from the Indians outside, ending with crazy shouts)

You hear?

(She hurries to a window, looks out)

They are drinking the cane rum and shouting. From there it is but a step to --

(She closes the window, bolts it. The other remains open)

We must fly, Pilar. I have left my room to the last. Do finish for me, Pilar. The pictures -- there's a box there to put them in. The things on the bed.

Pilar
(quietly, absorbed)

My heart's not in it. It's strange.

Dona Candita
Please, please, Pilar, stir yourself.

Pilar
Yes, mother.

Dona Candita
I must see what your father is doing. He is so slow. He must see that the carriage is ready, the cart is nearly full already, a thousand things to think of!

(There are shots off, more shouts)

You hear -- ?

Pilar
They are only celebrating our dispossession. Don't be afraid, little mamsie.

(But her face shows that she is beginning to be afraid herself. She goes quickly to begin packing the pictures)

Dona Candita
No. Perhaps you are right.

(SHE hurries out)

(PILAR looks about anxiously with some fear showing in her face. Then she takes a picture from its hook)

Voice (Radio)
And now, ladies and gentlemen -- our beloved songster from Yucatan --

(PILAR listens)

La Senorita Chelita Crespo. A transcription.

VIII - 3.

Pilar

Chela.

(The song is in Spanish, common and
haunting, such as Pilar heard earlier)

(PILAR turns to switch off the radio
impatiently, but she can't. She throws
the picture on the bed, and stands
listening.

The door opens before the song is
finished and CHELA comes in. She has
changed. Her eyes burn with a febrile
fire. She has been hurt, and is hard
with the hardness of the hurt. But
there is a rude undespairing power in
her. Her clothes are flamboyant)

Pilar

(in astonishment)

Chela!

(She looks from Chela to the radio
just finishing Chela's song, in be-
wilderment)

But Chela --

Chela

I'm not a ghost. It's a recording. I made it a week ago.

Pilar

(Going to her, her arms out)

Chela, Chela, my darling Chela!

(She takes her in her arms. CHELA
does not respond)

What's the matter?

Chela

Matter? Here I am at home, good God, all is love -- what
could be the matter? **Nada**, **nada**, little chicken! Where's
**Mama**?

Pilar

Somewhere -- probably in father's room. Oh, Chela, we've
lost the **hacienda**! We're running away.

Chela

For your lives, I gather. Yes, I heard all about it. What
a shame!

(But her tones have contempt in them)

How can you stand it?

Pilar

I don't know. I don't know how I can. And what a home-coming
for you.

VIII - 5.

Chela

(Flaring out)

What do you expect? I'm a working girl, see. The hours
face you -- and the men clamor for you and paw at you as
you pass. And fight over you! But you go home by yourself
if you can. But you can't! You remember what you must do
to get ahead in the chivalrous Latin world! And you go
crazy, or you take to something. <u>Marihuana</u> for mine.
Have one yourself!

(She shoots out a package)

It'll solve your troubles, the stars will sing!

(At Pilar's revulsion)

Don't be so damned pure and mighty. You've got something --
your family about you -- Cuco -- love -- ! What have I got?

Pilar

(touched)

Poor Chela.

Chela

(recovering)

Don't worry about me. I'll get along.

(Conviction growing in her)

It's life anyway - it's what I asked for. I'll get through
this. I'll win out. I'll be happy someday. I know it, I
know it deep!

(TRINO comes in. He is dressed for
going away, has come to his mother's
room to say goodbye)

Trino

Chela!

Chela

Trino, Trino darling!

(She runs to him, clings to him)

Trino

I didn't know you were --

Chela

(brokenly)

Trino! Take me to mother.

Trino

Yes, baby, yes. We'll find her.

(He takes her out)

(As PILAR watches, a dark shape
passes the window)

Pilar

(With a start of fear)

Who's there?

VIII - 6.

Beto

(Appearing in the door)

Beto, Pilar.

Pilar

What are you skulking about for?

Beto

Nothing.

Pilar

We've been thrown out - the land, everything is yours. Aren't
you satisfied? Why do they send you here to spy on us, and
gloat over us?

Beto

I am responsible for your safety, that's all.

Pilar

(Her breath drawn in quickly)

Safety? Are we in danger then?

Beto

I don't think so.

Pilar

(Sharp with fear)

You're lying! They intend to kill us! Why don't you say so!

On the radio - we heard it - the butchery - !

(Her voice dim - and husky with panic)

Trino, Trino!

Beto

(Stopping her)

Please, please, Pilar. Trino asked me to watch. That's all.

Don't be frightened.

Pilar

(weakly, recovering)

Beto, my nerves are on edge. Everything is -- I'm all right
now. I didn't mean to speak to you like that.

Beto

It doesn't matter.

(TRINO appears at the door, comes in)

Trino

(puzzled)

What is it?

Beto

Trino, I --

(HE goes out)

VIII - 7.

Trino

Chela has changed.

Pilar

(After a brief moment, struggling to
sound calm)

Yes.

Trino

I never expected to see her again.

Pilar

Little Chela. Creeping home for comfort. We'll make it up
to her.

Trino

Didn't she tell you?

Pilar

What?

Trino

She hasn't come creeping home. Not her! She was about to
sail for New York. She only came to see us -- mother really
-- in case she never saw her again.

Pilar

Oh.

Trino

She's to star in a music show on Broadway. Her name in
lights! She's got what she wanted - most of it.

Pilar

(Dimly, to herself, hurt)

She didn't tell me.

Trino

I've said goodbye to them. I must go now.

Pilar

Must you, Trino?

Trino

I should have gone this afternoon. They're waiting for me.

Pilar

Yes. Trino -- you wouldn't leave us here, if you thought we
were in danger, would you?

Trino

Of course not. What foolishness!
(gently)

Father's got a place for you in town. It's hard - I know -
I'm sorry.

VIII - 8.

Pilar

(Without acrimony)

But you're glad too, Trino.

Trino

Yes. It's right - what's happened. I know it is. The
others are to have their chance now -- as we had ours, with-
out earning it.

Pilar

And what will they do with power, tell me that.

Trino

The Mayans have always accepted authority from above, meekly.
Now there's no authority above them - for the first time in
centuries. There'll be abuses at first. It's inevitable.
The *politico* crooks and dispossessed *hacendados* will scheme
their guts out to get back what they've lost to ignorant
Indians, accustomed only to the labor of the body. But the
idea of the right to power goes to starving cells quickly.
And it won't die so easily in their veins. *They'll learn*
*to fight.*

Pilar

And to win?

Trino

And to win.

Pilar

You believe - and aren't troubled. I believe, too - they
have no right to do this to us. But they do. Does it mean
I'm wrong?

Trino

I think so.

Pilar

What star were you born under that let you see what was
to be?

Trino

(Offended, but quiet)

Pilar. I didn't see what "was to be". I'm not on the right
side for my own good.

Pilar

I'm sorry.

Trino

It's all right.

Pilar

(With wonder)

You're gentle and kind now -- even to me. Why?

VIII - 10.

Pilar (Cont'd.)

now? I can't see, but I know it's there. What is it? I
can't see, but I know it's there, I ---

Cuco

Quiet, quiet!

Pilar

(Going away, stumbling into the chair,
her hand at her head, wearily, struggling
for control)

Oh --

Cuco

(In a strange hard voice)

Your mother told me to help you. Let's get at it.

Pilar

Yes, the pictures.

(He goes toward them)

Cuco

Yes, the pictures. The pretty pictures.

(He jerks one savagely from its hook)

Pilar

(noticing)

What is it, Cuco?

Cuco

Nothing.

Pilar

Yes, tell me. Something.

(She goes toward him, throwing off
her dismay)

Cuco

Pilar, you'll marry me now, won't you? At once.

Pilar

As soon as we're settled in town.

Cuco

(With savage insistence)

"As soon, as soon!" I'm sick of it. I've heard it for the
last time, it'll be now, I tell you - tonight. I'm giving
the orders.

Pilar

You have no right to talk to --

Cuco

I have every right! For months I begged you to marry me --

VIII - 11.

Cuco (Cont'd.)

I pleaded with you on my knees. It took you months to say
"Yes" - and then you began again with your god-damned "soon".
Why was this, why?

Pilar

(Alarmed at his mood)

You know. You know!

Cuco

All the time you loved me, wanted me. You _did_ love me,
didn't you?

Pilar

Yes, I did. I have for a long time.

Cuco

But you kept putting me off.

Pilar

I was putting myself off, too. Don't you think I'm human?

Cuco

(Agonized, the words pouring out in
his desperation)

I don't know. You don't know what it is to be a man. A man
in love - tantalized with "soon, soon." Till his whole body's
an aching torture, and there's no sleep for him, and no
help for him from the one who ought to help him. Till he
can't stand it, and he roams the streets, and meets in the
dark places whatever fate lies in wait for him. Or he goes
to the houses, with their hearty wenches shipped from Vera
Cruz or worn-out mulattos from the racket in Mexico. The
promise of peace! It's me I'm talking about - me!

Pilar

No, no!

Cuco

Straight from the arms of my beloved - to women who can be
paid - women glad of a little money to take away the fever
that's destroying me!

Pilar

(Sick with revulsion)

No, no, Cuco, don't tell me!

Cuco

Ten long months you've done this to me, and you say "Don't
tell me!"

Pilar

Please!

VIII - 12.

Cuco

How do you like it, eh? Sweet, isn't it? Well, have a little hell-fire yourself for a change. Stew in it - as I do! I ought to kill you!

(He throws himself into a chair, weak with fury at her and at himself)

Pilar

(After a horrible moment)

Take me. If it means anything to you.

Cuco

Pilar - what're you --

Pilar

Take me.

Cuco

You don't understand. I'm filthy. I've rolled in the mires of women - any woman - white, yellow, black, any woman I could find - night after night -- !

Pilar

I don't care. Take me.

Cuco

Pilar! You don't know what you're saying!

Pilar

Yes, I know. What does it matter? Take me. I'm yours.

Cuco

You don't mean it, you can't!

Pilar

Yes. I didn't know, I didn't know.

(HE runs to the door, bars it)

Pilar

What're you -- no, Cuco -- not here -- !

Cuco

Here! Now!

Pilar

The others! They'll come in!

Cuco

They've gone!

Pilar

Gone!

Cuco

Yes. I told them I'd bring you with me. They haven't waited. We're alone.

VIII - 13.

Pilar

No, Cuco, no! This room. This is mother's room. Her things
are here. Her altar. Her pictures.

Cuco

Pictures!

(He smashes one across the room)

Pilar

They're watching us!

Cuco

They don't see you. They don't know you - they're dead!

Pilar

Their eyes are on us - ashamed, accusing. I couldn't!

Cuco

They don't know you.

Pilar

They know me.

Cuco

And I know you. Now I know you! These - these are between
us. Not only the living - the dead!

Pilar

Yes, yes!

Cuco

I might have known. It isn't to be. You're free - free to
lick the feet of the dead - who don't give a damn! They
don't! The dead have betrayed you! And the living don't
want you. Your family doesn't. Nor do I! I wouldn't have
you now.

Pilar

Cuco!

Cuco

I can see your fate. No one in Merida will speak to you,
you know that. They'll say I refused to marry you, because
I had you before marriage. Josefa will see to that. You
won't be able to stand it! Ninon and her mother couldn't -
what the tongues did to them. You can't either. You'll
have a walking death, whispers always in your ears! Your
last chance is gone. Your grave is dug for you.

Pilar

(Her voice dead)

Yes. You've said it all. Get out.

Cuco

(weakening)

Pilar!

VIII - 16.

Candita!

Don Severo

Don't make me.

Dona Candita

Do as I tell you.

Don Severo

Dona Candita
(weary and sad)

Yes, Severo.

(Her old voice dim)

I've bent too long to the will of man. I'm too old to
change... too old.

(To Pilar)

Forgive me.

(Her eyes go about the room -- choked,
almost inaudible)

The room. You were born here.

(THEY go out)

(The radio, which has been playing all
this time, comes surging up, crowded
with despair -- but with a desperate
hope beating in it.

There are scraps of singing from the
Indians, and some shouts.

BETO comes into the doorway, a lantern
in his hand)

Beto
I've come to light your way.

Pilar
(Like one drugged, the words meaning-
less to her)
Light my way?

Beto
The others have left you. I've saddled a horse for you.
This lantern will show you the path.

Pilar
Beto. No, no, listen to me!
(She runs to him)
Let them kill me.

Beto
They won't kill you, Pilar. They have the fields, the
yielding earth. All life is before them. Why should they
kill you?

VIII - 17.

Pilar

They will! They must! I don't want to live!

Beto

They're celebrating. They're happy. There's no hate in them.

Pilar

I've seen them turn from singing to murder. In a moment it happens! That night at the hemp mill! The machete. One clean stroke. Turn them against me. Let them kill me! Do this for me.

Beto

No.

Pilar

Please, Beto -- I beg you. On my knees, I beg you!

Beto

No, Pilar.

Pilar

You're my brother. You've got to help me!

Beto

I can't.

Pilar

(Desperately persuasive)

Yes, Beto! You're gifted, you're wise. You see things the way they are. Understand this, then. Not till I die -- not till all such people as myself are dead -- we, the ones who've lorded it over the weak and lowly -- not till all of us are in the grave can a thwarted and stricken people sing again, be free again! You must see this!

Beto

(reluctantly)

It may be so.

Pilar

It is so, it's the truth! I've looked too long at the past, tried to bring back the past, the way it was. That's me. I can't change. My way is death, not life. Make them see it! They can't allow me to live. I'm their enemy. Tell them!

Beto

(Throwing off her persuasiveness)

No! I will tell them nothing. Come, you must go!

(With a quick nervous glance round)

At once!

(A wild and terrible cry bursts from the Indians, menacing and terrifying)

I didn't want to tell you -- it's dangerous!