Acastos by Iris Murdoch

Author:Iris Murdoch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2008-05-31T00:00:00+00:00

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The dialogues are designed to be performed either in modern dress or in period costume. In a period performance the servant in Above the Gods will of course be a slave, and the following text may be preferred.

TIMONAX

Well, if you want to go on and we want to rest why not question this black fellow? I know Socrates never needs a rest.

SOCRATES

What does Antagoras think? May we question the slave?

ANTAGORAS

Of course, Socrates, whatever you like.

SOCRATES

Does he speak Greek?

ANTAGORAS

Yes, he was bred on our country estate.

As they discuss the slave Acastos is uncomfortable, looks at Plato who remains impassive.

TIMONAX

Has he got any religion?

ANTAGORAS

His mother was a Nubian, she probably had some superstitious belief. But he’s a simple chap, he hasn’t a single idea in his head, you see he isn’t even listening, he’s in another world.

TIMONAX

At least we can find out if religion is something natural!

SOCRATES

I would like Acastos to question the slave.

ACASTOS

Oh no! Please not!

SOCRATES

I won’t always be here to ask questions, others must learn. Besides you are young and gentle and won’t upset him. Go on, my dear.

ACASTOS very nervous

We are talking about religion. [ It takes a moment for him to attract the slave’s attention. ] Look – excuse me – we’re – talking about religion. You know what religion is?

The stave is a graceful youth. He is a little timid at first but soon shows no fear or embarrassment.

SLAVE

No, sir.

TIMONAX

End of conversation.

SOCRATES

Go on, tell him what it is.

ACASTOS

Oh dear! I mean – when you go to the temples –

SLAVE

I never go to the temples, sir.

ACASTOS

Do you pray? Pray? Say prayers?

SLAVE

I don’t know, sir, I do not know what is that.

TIMONAX

Lucky fellow, no religion, that shows it isn’t natural!

ACASTOS

Shall we stop here?

SOCRATES observing the scene with some amusement

No, go on.

ACASTOS

You know people believe in worship, and holy and sacred things and places –

SLAVE

I don’t know, sir.

TIMONAX

He’s simple–minded.

ANTAGORAS

You’re getting nowhere with religion, try morality.

ACASTOS with a glance at Socrates

Do you know what morality is, morals, duty –

SLAVE

No, sir.

SOCRATES

Explain it.

ACASTOS

Morality is – well [ Antagoras and Timonax giggle .] Let me see. When your conscience – no – when you feel something’s right, and you want to do it because it’s right and good, and not just because it’s pleasant – For instance, when you make a promise–[ Slave looks blank ] I mean–you do make promises–sometimes, promise somebody something?

SLAVE

No. [ Explains ] I don’t make, I don’t know what is that thing.

ACASTOS getting desperate

But do you ever feel you ought to do something, that it’s an obligation, when your heart tells you something must be done whether you like it or not?

SLAVE

No, sir, certainly not, sir.

ACASTOS

Why certainly not?

SLAVE who thinks this is obvious

I only do what I am told.

ACASTOS

I can’t bear this!

ANTAGORAS

You see, they have no sense of duty, no idea of obligation, this is an important element in their condition, a merciful disability, like women, they simply lack the concept!

SOCRATES

Try to get back to religion.

ACASTOS

You know about rites and rituals, when people –

ANTAGORAS

He doesn’t know these words.

ACASTOS

Like the procession this afternoon.

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