Orpheus

Narrator: The son of Apollo was said to be a great musician and his voice was the most beautiful to hear. His name was Orpheus and his voice was so divine that even the gods above were enchanted. Orpheus was in love with a woodland nymph, Eurydice. She was the inspiration for his song, and hewanted nothing more than to marry Eurydice.

Orpheus: What a beautiful day. I have a lovely song that I wish to sing at my wedding. Oh how my heart longs to be with Eurydice. Nothing can make me happier than the moment we say our vows.

Narrator: Eurydice was also in love and made preparations to go to the woodlands and prepare flowers for her bridal garland.

Eurydice: Oh my love, I too am filled with much joy. I must find the most beautiful flowers to adorn my hair. Today will be the happiest day.

Narrator: Eurydice went with her maidens to pick some lovely flowers by the riverside for her wedding bouquet. Unfortunately, as she stepped beside the brook, a snake bit her on the foot.

Eurydice: It cannot be…oh hateful snake, why have you bitten me on this day that was to be my wedding? My Orpheus…I cannot believe that we will be apart.

Narrator: Despite all efforts to save her, Eurydice died.

Chorus: What sadness fills the air as Orpheus mourns for his bride. His death tune fills all who hear with grief. He took his lyre and entered the yawning cave to find his bride in the underworld.

Orpheus: I must find Eurydice. I cannot leave her in this foulest of places. Perhaps my sad dirge will calm all who listen, and I will be able to see her again.

Narrator: As he headed to the River Styx, he played his lyre and sang a beautiful song for Charon, the ferryman, who forgot to ask for payment.

Charon: Orpheus, your melodies are so beautiful. I have never heard anything so pleasing down here. Come aboard, and I can take you across. I am so taken by your voice.

Narrator: He continued playing his music for all to hear. Ever theCerberus listened motionless until he passed. As he entered into the land of Hades, all the spirits rested and were silent as this listen to the beautiful song. No tunes so lovely had ever entered the underworld. All were mesmerized.

Hades: Orpheus your music brings tears to my eyes. I am touched by your music and your beautiful voice. You must return though to the land of the living. Return quickly while my monsters are still hushed by your soothing voice. Never turn back and Eurydice will follow. If you turn around, she will return to me. Be forewarned and do not turn around.

Chorus: Orpheus turned and left the halls of Hades. He listened intently to hear any sound from behind as he made his way back to the surface. Onward he slowly climbed, but it was far easier to descend into the land of Hades then to leave.

Orpheus: All I see is darkness, strange shapes, and noises. What if this is all a trick? I do not hear anyone coming from behind. Suppose Hades is only deceiving me. I know that I will not be able to come again. I do not want to leave Eurydice behind.

Narrator: Onward he slowly climbed stopping periodically to listen to any sound from behind but careful not to turn around.

Orpheus: I see a glimmer of light up ahead. I am about to reach the entrance of the cave, but I cannot bear it anymore. What if Eurydice is not coming? What if this is all a trick? I must take one short glance to see if she is really with me.

Narrator: Orpheus turned slightly to catch a quick glimpse of a grey shade at his heels.

Orpheus: Eurydice is it you? It is so hard to see you.

Narrator: As he reached out, all he could hear was…

Eurydice: Farewell…farewell my love.

Chorus: We speak of woe. Eurydice was lost forever to the land of Hades. Orpheus in deep despair no longer sings but only sits by the banks of the River Styx in total despair. We can no longer bear to see his misery.

Orpheus: I can no longer sing sweet melodies. I will sing of my great despair. All who hear will know my pain and weep for me.

Narrator: So for many a day and night Orpheus continued to weep for his lost Eurydice. He sang of his woe. One day the women of Thrace who were drunk with wine could no longer listen to his sad songs and sprung upon him only to kill him. They threw his body into the River Hebrus as his dying lips still sang…

Orpheus: Eurydice

Chorus: As Orpheus once more descended into the land of the dead, he knew the path well and was soon reunited with the shade of Eurydice. No more shall mankind hear the beautiful tunes of Orpheus for he and his bride walk the paths of the Underworld.