iρλο € , Υ0ΤΤι

ΟΑh/ΙΑΛ
ΙtfrΙΟι
-.]
h[ΥΧTΕPΙΙ{ΟΙ
ΕΓΤΙΣKΕΠΤEΣ
MOΝOΠPΑKTΙ-ΙOΙΙEΡAΣE ΛΙMΙ-ΙPEΤO
ΤOY ΣYΝΘF]ΤtΙ

Mtjl.ΑΦPΑΣΙ:Ι
Ερρtκog Mπελιig

1.Α Π Ρ ι)Σ()Γ Ι Α ΤOY EP Γ OY

ΑMΑΛ ('Γ:vααvdπιιρo αγδρι.πε1l[πoυ δ6δει<cιyριiι,ωv)

H MHΤEPΑ ToY

KΑΣΓIΑP (Βα1lliκotlg)

MΕΛXΙoΡ () ι rρ ε ιq Βα ιl ι,\ ι ιiδεq

BΑz\ΤΑΣΑP

YΠFl PEΤi{Σ

BoΣKoΙ KΑΙ ΧΩPΙKoΙ

ΧoPEΥTΕΣ
Σ.:/ Ι*..}ξμ ti,

Eivαι u3xτα. o αvdπnρogμικρ6g Booκ6qΑμιiλ κdθεται €ξω αu6 τnv καλliBα τoυ, 6που μ€vει με
-:ι φλoγερα.Δirι\α του 6γει αφnμdvoτo δεκανiκι τoυ,Πoυτov BonΘci-
τΙ]μnτερα ιoυ' Ι{αιΠαlζt
ει vα περrrατd.Evω παiζει, παρατnρεi οτοr,oυραv6 6vα μεγα\ο και αουvτiΘιοταλαμπερ6 αοτd-
<μεγdλooαv παρdθυρo*,doτpo.
ρι. o Αμιiλ φωvdζει τn μnt6ρα τoυ vα δει αυτ6 τo nαρdξεvo.
Αλλιi εκεiνn. πoυ vομιiζει6τr o γιog τng λfει nαλι φαvταoτικ6gιoτoρiεg' τov φωναζει vα μΠει
οτnv καλιiBα για vα κoιμnθofv.
O Αμdλ fγει ξαπλcbοειοτo αγυρdνroοτρωματoυ,6ταvαno μακριdακo0γειαι ιo τραγoυδιrωv
ToυgoδnγεiεναgυnnρετnE.Σc λiγo dvαgαn. ιoυg Mο1oυg,o Mελ-
rριωv Mdγωv-Booιλιαδωv.
qvτικρiζει το Θαυμαoτ6θ6-
γι6ρ, γτυπd τnv u6ρτα τng φτωyικng καλ6sαg. o Αμriλ αvoiγει Kαι
αι1ατωV τριωv Mdγωv. Τρ6yει vα τo nει στn μnτ6ρα τoυ αλλd αυτri και nιiλι δεv τoν πιοτεdει.
Τελικιi nεiθεταιvα τοv ακoλoυΘfiοει'και με τn οειρα τng δoκιμαζει τnv iδια εκπλnξn 6ταv
Bρiοκεται μnρooτd οτov Mελyι6ρ, τov Kdoπαρ κqι τov Bαλτdοαp, oι τρειg Mdγoι-Bαοιλιdδεg
τα nλoδ-
ζnτo6v φrλoξεviα. t{ μnτ6ρα τoυ Αμdλ τnv nρooφ6ρει αμ6oω9,ιδιαiτερα 6ταv Bλ6nει
oια δωρα noυ κρατodv clι Bαοιλιιiδεg, yρυο6, oμιiρvα και λιBdvι. o Αμdλ τρ6Χει vα ειδoπoιti-
ι]ει τoυζ dλλoυg Booκoδg, εvω oι Mdγoι αΠoκαλιrrτoυv oτn μnτι1ρατoυ τnv αιτiα του ταζιδι-
o6 τoυg:ncivεvα nρooκυvnοoυv και vα nρooφθριlυv δωρα oτov vεoγ6ιπ,nτoΘε6.
Φτdvoυv oι Booκol και nρoοφ6ρoυνrα δικιi τoυqφτωγικα δωρα orουE τρεrgMdγoυg.o Bαλ-
τιiοαρ τoυE ευΧαριστεi. o Αμdλ ρωτdει τoY ΚdσrΙαραv 6xει κdπoια μαγικn n€τρα πoυ vα μΠo-
εκτ6g απ6 τn
ρεi vα τοv Oεραnειiοει,αλλιi o Κdοnαρ δεv τo ακoιjει. Σε λ[γo 6λoι κoιμoυνιαι
τo yρυοdφιτωv Mα-
μnτ6ρατoυ Αμαλ, πoυ Bαοαviζειαιαn6 τoν Πειρασμovα κλ6φει λiγo αno
τoυ. o
γων μα τo φτωyo nαιδi τng.Τn BλCnειομωg o υnnρirng και ζυnνdει τoυguφΙvτεg
Mελμ6ρ τn συlTr,ρεi λ6γovταg 6τι τo Παιδi πoυ μ6λg γεwnθnκε δεv 6γει αvciμn απ6 γρυ-
odφι γιατi Θαoικoδoμflοει τo Bαοiλει6 Toυ Γtdvωοτnv αγdπn. Συγκιιτιμ6vn n μnτ6ραθ6λει vα
εΠισ1ρεΨειτο xρυοιiφι.αΜd και vα πρooφερειεvα διbρooτo vεoγfvvnτo.Τoτε o Αμιiλ nρo.
οφiρει τo δεκαviκι τoυ. KdvovταS qυτn τnv nροoφoρd, τo αvdnnpο nαιδi θεραπε6εται και qρ-
vα ακoλoυ-
γiζει vα περπατd και vα yoρεl5ει.Ικετεfει μdλιoτα τn μnτ6ρα τoυ vα τoυ εΠιτρεψει
θliοει τoυgMdγoυq,vα nρooκυνtiοεικι αυτοqτoν vεoγfw,τrτoΘεo Kαι vα τoυ γαρiοει rο δεκα-
v[κι. }1μnτ6ρα δ61εται. Kαι καΘιbgφειiγουv μα τn Bnθλε€μ, ο Αμα,\ παiζει οτn φλoγ6ρα τoυ
το σκon6 τnE αρyιig'
 -,....
(The curta|inrises.It is night. The crystaΙ-cΙeaτwinter sky is dotιed
with stars,the,Εasternfuar flaming λmongstthem. Ciu'tsidethe cottage,
notfa/{rom its dolor;AmahΙ,wrapptd in an oveηsizedcΙoak, sitson a
stone,pΙaying his shepheid's pipe. His crudeΙy-made critch Ιiesoil the
groundbeside him. Within, theMother wo*s,at householdchores.
The room is ΙightedonΙ1,bythe dyingfirb and theΙow fΙaηe of aiiny
oiΙΙamp.)
Τι{E }vioTHEn (Shepiuses in herwork
to Ιistento the piping, thenca]ls,)
Αmahl!Αmahll
A MΑ H L
oh!
τ FΙE Mo TιΙER
Τime to go to bed!

ΑMAιtL
Lomιn8l
(AmahΙ does not stiιr'After a moment he begins to pΙay again.)

Tι{E MoΤFΙER
Αmahl!

AMΑ }ΙL
Coming!
(With a shtug of his shouΙders, Amah:] continues to pΙay. ΙmpatientΙy,
the Mother goes t'o the window, opens it sharpΙy, and leans out.)

TttΕ Mo ΤLΙER
Llow long must Ι shout ιo make you obey?

ΑMΑιΙL
Ι,m sorry, Mother. ,

ΤHE Mo TFΙER
LΙurry in! Ιt's time ιo go to bed.

A MΑ HL
Buι Mother, let rne stay a little longer!

THE Mo TιtER
Τhe wind is coid.

ΑMAιtL
But my cloak is waτm,
let me stay a little longer!

T}ΙE MoTrΙER
The night is dark. -
A MA IIL
But ιhe sky is light,
let me sta)Ι a little longer !

Tr ΙE MOΤFΙER
Τhe time is late.

Α MΑ ιΙL
But the moon hasn't risen yet,
let me stay a'little., . .

ΤHE MoT}ΙE κ (ctapping her hands)

Τhere won,t behny moon tonight.
But there will be a weeping child very soon,
if he doesn't hurry up and obey his mother.
(The Mother cΙosesιhe wind6w with a shaΙp ΙittΙe bang.)
 t.
: )'
TιtE MoTFΙΕR
emihι
A MΑ } ΙL
Cross πiy heari and hope μodie.,.
ΤFΙE MOTFΙΕκ (cΙaspingAmahΙin her arms)
ι .. :
PoorAmahl!
LΙunger has gone toyour head. : LΙ πεivα o'6Yει Yτυnriοει κατακ6φαλα.
Dear God; ιηrhatis a poor widow ιo do,
: :. ' '
when her cupboards and pbckets are empty
and everything sold?
(She moves disconsoΙaieΙyto thefirepΙace.)
Unless we go begging
how shall-we live through iomorrow?
My Ιittle son, a beggar!
(She sinks, weeping,'ontoa ΙittΙestooΙ. AmahΙgoes to herand
embracesher tenderΙy,stroking her hair.)
Α MΑ } ΙL I
Don't cry, Mother dear,
don't rvorrv for me.
,!
Ιf we must go begging,
a good beggir I' tΓbe.
Ι knolv t.,,'"" to set peoPle dancing.
'iΞ"tand rvalk from vil[age to to-λ,
We'll walk
you dressed as a gypsy and I as a clown.
Αt noon ive shall eat roast goose and sweet almonds,
at night we shall sleep ιvith the sheep and the stars.
Ι,ll play my pipes, you'll sing and you'll shout ,
Τhe windows will open and people lean out.
Τhe King will ride by and hear your,loud voice
and throw us iome gold to stop all the noise.
Αi noon we shall eat roast goose 4nd sweet almonds,
at night we s\all sleep with the sheep and the stars:
ΤHΕ M oT F ΙΕ R
My dreaτner,good night !
You're wasting the light.
Kiss me good night.
Α MΑ ι ΙL
Good night.
(The Mother rises andberιdsto receive thegood.night kiss;.AmahΙ
goes to his paΙΙetof stiaw at one side of the firepΙace' The Mother
securesthe door,.takesAmah],s cΙoakand spreadsit over him, touches
his headtenderΙy,then, havingsnufΙed oat thetiny oiΙ Ιamp,she ires
down on thebench. The Ιights die'froιn the raom excePt far a faint
gΙow in the firepΙace aιnd the radiance of thi'eskΥ through the νrindow')
(Ιn the distanceamon1the hiΙls, we seea tiny winking Ιightfτoma
lantern, then the smaΙΙ figures of the Three Kings ind the Page,
wending their way aΙong the mauntain road. AmahΙ raises himseΙfon
oneeΙbow and Ιistenswith astonishmentto the diιtant singing. The
figuresdisappearat a turn in the road,AmahΙ throws back his clρak
an'd,Ιeaning on his crutch,'hobb]esover to the window. At the Ιeft, on '
the road,appear the ThlreeKinφ: first Me]chior, beaιring thecoffer of
goΙd, ghenBakhηzar, bearing the cha]icgof myrrh, and {inaξ Kaspar,
bearingthe,urn of incense.AΙΙ are precededby theP.age,who.walks
heaviΙy, bent b-eneath.the Ιciadof many'bundΙes,among thrrna rich
orientaΙ rug, a caged parrot, andan eΙaborate jewe]Ιedbox. Ιn one
hand the Page carribsa hea:ιyΙantern to Ιight the way.)
MιΙTEΡA . .
Αμιiλ! .
. '.... '.
eveΔ '
Σoυ τ' oρκtζoμαι, vα nεΘιivιυ αv λ€ ω ψ6ματα.
.: - ', .
MFΙTEPΑ (αμλιdζovταgτovAμdλ)
Κακ6μoιρε Αμ<iλ!
Θεξ μoυ, τι vα iιivω eγcδ,μια φδyιιl xflραi .
Tα vτoυλιiπια μoυ εiv' ιiδεια, 6πωE κι oι το6nεg μoυ,
κι 6yωπoυλfroειδοαεixα.
( Πλnoιdζει απε λπιoμ6vn oτo τζdκι' )
Αv δεv 8γo6με vα ζnτιαv6ψoυμε,
πcilg Θα ζriooυμε αιiριo;
o μικρoliλnE μoυ vα γtvει ζnτιιlvog!
(Κd0εται, κλαiγovταg,o' 6vα oxαμvιiκι o Aμiλ'τnv πλnoιdζει
και τnv αyκαλιdζeι τργψερd, yαiδε1ovταg τα μαλλιd τng.) .
ΑMΑΛ
Mnv κλαιg, μαvoιiλα,
και μn στεvoΧωρι6oαι μα μ6vα.
Av πρ€ π ει vα ζnτιαv6ψoυμε,
Θα γivω εγcb o nιb καλ6g ζnτιιivoE.
Ξ6ρω γλυκo6E oκoπoιig για vα yoρεtει o κ6oμog.
Θα πnγα(voυμε απ6 yωρι6 oε n6λn'
εo0 vτυμ6vn yoρε6τρια κι εγιb oαv μoυoικ6E ooυ'
Τo μεonμ6ρι Θα τρr,1μεylivα ψnτfi κι αμfγδαλα ζαyαρωμ6vα,
τn v6yτα Θα κoιμ6μαοτε με τα nρ6Bατα και τ, αoτι6ρια,
Eγcb Θα nαtζω τn φλoγ6pα μoυ κι εot Θα τραγoυδdE και Θα φωvdζειg.
Tα παρdΘυρα Θ' αvoiγoιivε κι o κ6oμo9 Θα 8γdζει τα κεφ<iλια για vα δει.
O Bαοιλι<ig, πoυ Θα περvdει καBdλα, θ' ακoιiει τn δυvατri'φιοvri ooυ
και Θα μαE ρt1gvειyρυoιiφι Yια vα σταματιiooυμε.
Τo μεonμiρι Θα τρωμe ynvα ψnτrl κι αμ6γδαλα ζαyαρωμ6vα,
τn v6yτα Θα κoιμ6μαοτε με τα πρ68ατα Kαι τ' αοτ6ρια.
M FΙ T EP Α
ovειρδn6λε μoυ' καλli οoυ vι1xτα!
Ξoδετ3ειg τo τελευταto λdδι oτo καvτriλι μαg,
Δcbo' μoυ 6vα φιλ( και η€ o ε vα κoιμnΘεiE.
ΑMAΛ
Kαλnv6yτα.,
(Ι1 Mnτtρα anκtbvεται και,oκι58ει για vg m ψλrioeι o μικρξ. o $μαλ πnγαi
veι οτo αyυρtvιo oτρtbμα toυ, δiπλα oτo τζdκι, H Mn|ιtρα κλει,δ6vει τnv π6ρ.
τα,παtρvει τnv κdπα τoυ Aμdλ και τov oκεπdζει μ' αυτιiv, τoυ Χαtδει3ειτo κε-
ψdλι και μετd o\ιivει τa λυyvdρι και γ6ρveι aτot πdμo. o ψωτιoμ69yαμn.
λcbveιoτo δωμdτιo και ψ6y"yειμ6vov ελdyιoτα τo τζdκι κι o oψαu6g 6ξω απ6
τo παρdΘυρo.)
(Mακριd oτoυg λ6ψoυ9:8λdπoυμεvα τμμoπαiζeι τa φωgεv6g ψαvαριoι3. Mε.
τd 8λεπoυμε τιg ψιγoιiρεg τωu τριcbv Bαoιλιiδωv και τoυ vεαρoι3 Υπ,nρ6τnvα
κατeBαtvoυv. o Aμdλ αvαonκ6vεται oτov αμtivα τo|υ'Κι αΚoι1€ ι κατdπλn-
'κτogτo μακριv6 τραγoι3δuoι ψιyotρεg ydvovται σε μια στρoψιi τoυ δρ6μoυ.
o Aμiiλ πεidει απ6 πdvω τoυ τnv κdπα και, μe τn BonΘεια τngτιατερEτo9Sτ9υ'
πnγαtvει oτo παρdΘυρo,Aριoτeρd, oτo δρ6μo, εμψαvtζovται oι'Bαoιλιdδεg:
.!vtελyι6ρ
πρqbτogo κρατrbvταg τo κl1cbr.o με τo yρυaιiψι, μετd o Bαλτioαρ
κρατtbvταgτo κ6πεΜo με τn oμιiρvα και τελευταtogo Κdoπαρ κρατι|lwαE τnv
'κoι3nα μe τo λιBdvι. Πρonγεiται o ΥπnρEτng πoυ πeρπατdει με δυoκoλ{α; yερ-
μtvog.απ6 τo Bdρog πoλλcbvμπ6γωv, εvξ αvατoλtτικoυ yαλιo6, εv6S ΠαΠ(Ι-
γdλoυ oτo κλoυBi τoυ και μιαE περiτεyvngκooμnματoΘfiκng.Στo 6γα y6ρι o
Υπnρ6τng κρατdει φαvdρι γα vα ψωτiζει τo fo6μo,6λωv.) .
κΑ SPΑ R' M ELCFiΙoR, BΑ L T F Ι Α ZΑ R K Α ΣΠ Α P ' M EΛX Ι o Ρ ' B Α ΛT Α ΣA P
From far a!ιλ/ay'ιΙ/ecome and farther tιΙ/emust 8o. Απ6 μακρui εργ6μαoτε και πdμε μακριιi!
LΙow far, how [ar, my crystal star? Π6οo μακριd, n6οo μακριd, κρυοτdλλιv6 μoυ αoτΞρι;
Τhe shepherd dreams inside the fold. Mεg οτo μαvτρi τoυg ovειρε6ovται oι Booκoi, ,
Cold are the sands by the silent sea. Kρfα n dμμog και n Θdλαooα BoυBn.
Frozen ιhe incense in our frozen hands, Πdγωoε τo λιBdvι οτα ξυλιαoμ6vα γ6ρια μαg,
heavy the gold. Bdρυvε ο yρυο69.
How far, how far, tny crystal star? Π6oo μακριd, π6oo μακριιi, κρυoτιiλλιv6 μoυ αοτdρι;
By silence-sunken lakes the antelope leaps. Δiπλα oε λtμvεg noυ BυΘiοτnκαv στn σιωπn, φεfγει oαtτα n αvτιλ6nn.
Ιn paper-painted oasis,the drunken gypsy \λ/eeps. Στnv oαon' πoυ μoιdζει ψε0τικn' κλαiει ο voμdg.
The hungry lion wanders, the cobra sleeps. Tριγυρvdει πειvαoμ€ v o τo λιovτdρι, κoιμdται n κ6μπρα.
t{ow far, how far, my crystal star? Π6οo μακριιi, π6οo μακριd, κρυοτdλλιv6 μoυ αoτ6ρι;
(As the travellers approach the door of the cottage:,the Page steps aside (Καθcbgoι ταξιδι16τε9nλnoιαζoυvε oτnv noρτα τng καλι3Bαg,o Υπnρtτng κα.
to Ιet Κing Melchior knock uPon the door.) vει oτnv dκρn yια v' αψfioει τov Mελyι6ρ vα yτυnιioει.)
ΤΗE MoTιtE ι (without stirring from her bed) MιΙΤEPΑ (yωρtgvα onκωΘεi απ' τo κρε8dτι τng)
Αmahl, go and see who's knocking at the door. Αμdλ' nnγαιvε vα δειg πoιog γτυπdει τnv n6ρτα,
AMΑ}.lL ΑMΑΛ
Yes, Mother. Ναι, Mnτερα.
(AmahΙ goes to the doof and opens it a crack' Ι7e quickΙy cΙoses the (Πnγαtvει κι αvotγει λιydκι τnν π6ρτα, Aμtoωg τnv ξαvακλεivει και τρtγει
door and rushes to his mother.) oτn μnτtρα τoυ,)
Mother, Mother, Mother, come with me. Mnτ6ρα' Mnτ6ρα, Mnτ6ρα, 6λα μαζi μoυ,
Ι want to be sure that you see what Ι see. Θ6λω vα δειg κι εο6 αυτ6 noυ 8λ6πω εγιil.
THE MoTHEκ (raising herseΙf on her eΙbow) M}tΤEPΑ (Avαonκr6vεταιαπ' τo κρεBdτι τng,)
What is the matter with you now? Τι € n αΘεg πιiλι;
What is alΙ this fuss abouι? Γιατi κιivειg 6τoι;'
Who is it then? Πoιog εivαι;
ΑMΑΙtL (hesitatingΙy) A'νAΛ (διoτακτικιi)
Mother... outside the door there is... Mnτ6ρα... 6ξω απ' τnv n6ρτα εivαι...
there is a King wiιh a crown. εiv' 6vαg Bαoιλιdg με κoρcilvα.
Τ H E M O Τ F ΙER M H T EP Α
What shall Ι do with this boy, Tι θα τo κιivω αυτ6 τo nαιδi,
what shall Ι do? τι Θα τo κιivιo;
Ιf you don't learn to tell the truιh, Αv δεv πdψειg vα λεg ψ6ματα,
Ι'll have ιo spank you ! Θ, αρxioω vα oε δ6ρvω.
(Κnocks, After a pause sfie sinks back on the bed.) (Xτυπfiματα. Πα6on. H Mnτtρα ξαπλtbvει πdλι.)
Go back and see ιvho it is Πflγαιvε vα δειg πoιog εivαι
and ask them what they want. και ριbτα τov τι Θdλει.
(Amahl hurries to thedoor, again opensit justa crack, and stares.He (o Aμdλ τρtyει oτnv n6ρτα, τnv αvo[γει πιiλι και κoιτdζει. Tnv ξαvακλεtι,ει
closesit oncemore and returnsto his mother.) και yυρi'ζει oτn μnτ6ρα τoυ.)
A MΑ FΙL AMΑΛ
Mother, Mother... Mother, come with me. Mnτ6ρα, Mnτ6ρα... Mnτdρα, 6λα μαζi μoυ.
Ι want to be sure that you see what Ι see. Θ€ λ ω vα δειg κι εοt3αυτ6 πoυ Bλ6nω εγιb.
TH Ε MoΤttΕR M tιTΕPΑ
What is the maιιer with you now. Τι 6παΘεgndλι;
what is all rhis fuss aboui? Γιατi κdvειg € τ oι;
ΑMΑFΙL ΑMΑΛ
Mother... 1 didn't tell the tτuth before. Mnτ6ρα. . . δεv ooυ ε[nα τnv αλ6Θεια nριv

ΤFlE Mo TH ER MtΙ Τ ΕPΑ

Τhat's a good boy. l ωρα μιΛαs σωστα.
ΑMAHL ΑMΑΛ
There is not a King outside. Δεv εtv, απ' 6ξω 6vαg Bαοιλιdg.

T ι { E Mo TF tE R M} Ι Τ EPΑ
Ι shouΙd say noι ! Σiγoυρα.

45
AMΑ ι IL ]
ΤherearetιηroKings! .
ΤHΕ M o T r ΙΕ R
What shall Ι do with . this boy'
w ha tshaΙl Ιdo?
Hurry back.and see who it is,'
and don't you dare make up taΙes!
(AmahΙ τepeatsagain thteaction to the door and baik.)
,.
eι4ei{ι ,
Mother... Mother... Mother, come with me.
IfΙtellyo ut h e t r ut h , '
Ι know you won,t believe me; ]
τHε Moτtlει .
Try it for .λ,.,g" l :
^ l

Α MΑ ι t L
But you rvon't beΙieve me.
TιΙE MoΤΙ{ER
I'11believeyou if you tell the truth.
Α MΑ L ΙL
Sure enough, there are not two Κings outside.

TΗE MoT H ER
J.naι ls surprrslng.
τt

Α M Α ι ΙΙ- / l
Τhe Kings are three,
and cine"ofthem is black.
ΤF ΙEM oT ι {t 1R.
Oh! What shall I do with this boy!
Ιf you were stronger I'd tike ιo whip you.
A MΑ FΙL
I knew it!
ΤFΙηMoTΙ{ER
Ι:m going to the door myself,
and then, youiig man,
you,ll
.(The have to reckon ιvith mc!
Mother ris", w"u,iΙyλnd λoues dete,-inedΙy to the door. Amahl
[oΙ]ows,hoΙding on to her skirt. As the door swingsopen, she behoΙds
the TJzreeΚlngs. Ιn utter aηezement, shebowslo them.)
KΑ SPΑ R , MELCFtΙoR; BΑ L T ι ΙA ZΑ R
Good evening!

ΑMAHL (whisμriηg)
Wh at di d Ιtellyou?

THE rιιoΤHEp. (toAmahΙ)

r
)n
-1 l

(to the Κings)

Noble sires!

B Α L Τ H Α Z ΑR
M4y we.rest a while infοur hguse '
anα \MarmourseΙvesDy your firgplace?
T H E MO TF TE R
Ι am a poor ιvidow.
Α cold fireplace and a bed of straw
B Α L Τ FΙΑ Z ΑR
t
Yes.
,,
Α MΑ FΙL
FΙaveyou resal blood?
B Α L Τ }t ΑZ AR
Yes.
A MΛL ΙL ,
Can Ι see it? .,

B Α L T H Α Z ΑR
It isjust like yours.
Α MΑ L ΙL
wι'^il, .t'" use of having it, then?
B A L T ,H Α Z ΑR
l
No u s e.

A MΑ t ΙL
Where is lzour home?
B Α L T 'H ΑZ ΑR
Ι'live in a black marble palace
full of black panthers and white doves.
Αnd you, liιtle boy, what do you do?
AMΑFΙL βadΙy)
Ι was a shepherd, Ι had a flock ofsheep,
But my mother sold them.
Now ther€ are no sheep left.
Ι had a black goat who gave me twarmsieet milk.
But she died ofold age.
Now there is no goat left.
But Mother says that now
rve shall both go begging from door to door.
Won't it be fun?
B Α L T H AZ ΑR
Ιt has its points.
(AmahΙ crossesto Kalpar, who continuesto feed theparrot.:)'

Α MΑ H L
Αre you a real King, ιoo?
K Α SPΑ R
Eh?
(Amah] ΙoakswonderingΙyat BaΙthazar,who indicatesthat Κasparis
deaf,AmahΙ rcpeΛtsthe question' shouting.)
: ]
Α MΑ FΙL
Αre you a real King, too?
KΑSPAR
Oh, truly, truly, yes.
Ι am a real Ιfing. '. am Ι not?
(Κasp4r\ooksquesiioningΙyat ΒaΙthazar')

B Α L Τ ι t AZ ΑR
Yes; Kaspar. ,
j
ΑMΑFΙL
What is that?
.]
K Α SPΑ R
Eh?
 Α MA H L AMΑΛ
Whatls tharf Τι εtv' αυτ6;
K Α SPΑ R Κ ΑΣΠΑP
Α parroι. Παπαγdλog.

Α MΑ ι t L AMΑΛ
Doesit ι al k? Mιλdει;
K Α S PΑ R κΑΣΠΑP
Eh? F.

Α MΑ Ft L AMΑΛ
Does it talk? Mιλ<iει;
KΑSPΑR (indicating his deaf ears) KΑΣΠAP (δε[yvovταgτo κoυψ6 αψτt τoυ)
How do Ι knolv? Πoιi vα ξ6ρω;

Α MΑ ι t L ΑMΑΛ
Do es i t b i te ? Δαγκcbvει;
K A S PΑ R K Α ΣΠ Α P
Εh? F.

Α MΑ ι t L ΑMΑΛ
Does it bite? Δαγκωvει;
(ΚaspardispΙaysa heaviΙybandagedfinger.) (o Κdoπαρ δεtyvει τo δεμlvo δdyτυλ6 τoυ')

K Α SPA R κΑΣΠΑP
Yes. Nαι.

Α M Α ιt L (pointing at thejeweΙΙedbox) (δεiΧvovταg τo oτoλιoμ{vo κoυτ[)

Αnd what is this?
(With great excitement,Κaspar opensonιedrawerat a time,conceaΙing
its contentsfrom Amahl untiΙhe Ιifts thejeweΙs,the beads,and finaΙΙy
the Ιicoricebeforethe boy's amazedeyes')
K Α SPΑ R
Τhis is my box, this is my box.
I never travel ιlrithout my box.
Ιn the first drawer Ι keep my magic stones.
One carnelian against all evil and envy.
One moonstone to make you sleep.
One red coral to heal your wounds.
one lapis lazuli against quarιern fever'
One small jasper to help you find water.
One small topaz to soothe your eyes.
One red ruby to protecr you from lighrning.
This is my box, this is my box.
Ι never travel ''lrithout my box.
Ιn the second drarver Ι keep all my beads.
oh, how Ι love to play with beads,
all kinds ofbeads.
This is my box, this is my box.
Ι never travel withouι my box.
In the ιhi r d dr aw e r . . .
oh, little boy ! oh, liιtΙe boy !. . .
Ιn the third dra'αrerΙ keep...
licorice... black, sweetlicorice.
FΙavesome.
(AmahΙ seizesthe candy and gobbΙesit down as his mother entersfrom
theoutside,bearinga few sticks.)
Τ L t E Mo Τ} tE R
Αmahl, Ι told you noι to be a nuisance
^ΜA^
Kιαυτ6 τι εtvαι;
(Mε μεydλn oυγκ[vnon, o Κdoπαρ αvo{γει tvα tvα τα oυρτdρια
τoυ κoυτιoιj και δε[yvει τo περιεy6μεv6 τoψ
oτov κατdπλnκτo Aμdλ.)
K Α ΣΠ A P
Αυτ6 εivαι τo κoυτi μoυ, αυτ6 εivαι τo κoυτi μoυ.
Πoτ€ δεv ταξιδεriω yωρtE τo κoυτt μoυ.
Στo πριbτo ουρτdρι oι μαγικ6g μου πfτρεg.
Αyιiτng για το κακ6 μdτι.
Φεγγαρ6πετραYια τnv αUπv(α.
K6κκιvo κoρdλλι για τιg πλnγ€ g .
Tυρκoυdζ για τov τεταρταio πυρετ6.
,Ιαonng
για vα Bρiοκειg vερ6.
Τonιiζι για τoυζ n6voυg τωv ματιιilv.
Poυμπtvι πoρφυρ6 για nρooταοiα απ, τoυg κεραυvo6g
Αυτ6 ε(vαι τo κopτt μoυ, αυτ6 εivαι τo κoυτi μoυ.
Πoτ6 δεv ταξιδει5ωγωρ(g τo κoυτi μoυ.
Στo δειiτερo oυρτιiρι φυλιiω τιg yιivτρεg μoυ
Ω, π6oo μ'αρ6οει vα παiζω με τιg yιivτρεg μoυ,
γιivτρεE κdΘε λoγt'rg.
Αυτ6 εivαι τo κoυτi μoυ, αυτ6 εtvαι το κoυτt μoυ.
Πoτ6 δεv ταξιδε6ω γωρig τo κoυτt μoυ.
Στo τρiτo oυρτdρι.
Αγ' αγ6ρι μoυ ! Αy, αγ6ρι μoυ ! . . .
Στo τρ(τo ουρτdρι 6yω...
γλυκ6ριζα... μαυρn, γλυκιd γλυκ6ριζα.
Nα, πdρε λiγn.
(o A1ιdλ αρπdζει τo γλδκιoμα και τo
μαooυλdει. Mπαtvει n μnτtρα τoυ Κoυ.
Bαλ6vταg λiyα κλαρdκια-)
M Ft Τ EP Α
! Aμdλ, ooυ εiπα vα μnv εvoyλεtg.
ΑMΑF1L-, i ,

But it iiη't my fault ! ] .

(Goin!,to his mothi:r,,.AmahΙ whispersdixreetΙy.) .
. l i .
Theγ
"'-t kept ___- qιiestions.
askins me
---r'--_--__o f-

T F l E Μo Τι l Ε R
Ι w4nt you to,go and caΙl the other s.hepherds. ..,
Tell them about our visitori,
and a3k thetn to bring
whatever they have i.r:the house,
as we have nothins to offer them.
Flurry on!

Α MΑ t ΙΙ-.
Yes; Mother.
(AmahΙgrabsup his cΙoak, cΙapshis haton his head,and hurries.outas
fasi as his crutch wiΙΙ carry him. The Mother crossesto t|ιe flrepΙace to
'
setdown the wood she hasgathered. SuddenΙy she seesthe coffer of
goΙd, λnd the rich chaΙicesof incenseand myrrh which sit before the
Κings. ΙrresistibΙydrawn, shemovestoward tbem.)
TιΙE MoΤι{ER
Oh, these beautiful things..
and all thaι gold !

M E LCFΙ IoR
These are the'gifts to the Child.
.
THE MOTHE γ (withgreat excitement)
Τhe child?
wιi.ii.i'u?
M ELC ιtΙoR
We don't knour.
But the Star will guide us to tΙim.

ΤιΙ E M o Τ F ΙΕ R
But perhaps Ι know him..
What does he look like?
M ΕLc F { ΙoR
tΙave you seen a Child
the colour of wheat, the colour of dawn?
}Ιiseye sar e mi l d,
His hands are those of a King,
as King tie rvas born.
Ιncense, myrrh, and gold
we bring to tΙis side,
and the Eastern Star is our guide. -

T}ΙE MoT}ΙE p. (as thoughto herseΙD

Υ es, Iknow achi l d .
the colour o[ wheat, the colour o[ darvn.
His eyes are mild,
his hands are those of a King;
l
as King he was born:
But no one will bring him incense or gold,
though siek and poor and hungry and cold. .
LΙels mY child, my son,
my darling, pΙown- , .
ν1ELcFΙ1OR,.aeιiΙ{λzaR ,
ΗaveyouseenaChild
.the colour of earth, the colour of ιhorn? ' .
tΙis,eye sar e sad' ].
tΙis hands are those of the poor,
as poor LΙe was born.
Ιncense; myrrh, and gold
we bring to tlis side,
and th-e*EasternStar is our guide.
r,,.

T FΙ ΕM o Τ F ΙΕ R
Yes. Ι know a child
the colouτ of earth, the colour of thorn.
tΙis eyes are sad,
his hands are those of the poor,
.
as poor he ι.as born. .
But no one will bring him incense or'gold;
though sick and poor and hungry and cold.
He's my child, my son,
my darling, rny own.
M ELc HΙoR
The Child we seek holds the seas
and the winds on tΙis palm.
KΑSPΑR
Τhe Child rve seek has the moon
and the stars at LΙis [eet.
B Α L T } ΙΑ Z Α R
Before Him the eagle is gentle,
the lion is meek.
(Absorbed in hierown thoughts, the Mother moves sΙo'wΙydownstage.)

;il..#ffTι}"*
on his palm holds my heart.
The child I know
at his feet has my life.
He's my child, my son,
my darling, niy own,
and his name is Amahl.
KΑ SPΑ R , MELc}ΙΙoR, BΑLTHΑZAR
Choirs of angels hover over tΙis roof
and sing Him to sleep.
He's warmed by breath,
He's fed by Mother
who is both Virgin and Queen.
Iniense, myrrh, and gold
-
we bring to His $ide,
and the Eastern Star is our guide.
(The caΙ]of the shepherd'sfaΙΙssharp andcΙear on theaiτ; breaking the
hashed siΙenceof the room')
snεpHεnbs
;ffii;λ shepherdesses!
Who's calling, who:s calΙing?
o h ! oh!
(The Mother Ιooks insΙinctii-elyto xe if'herroim.is ready to receive
her neighbours' then she goesio thedoor and opens ιt.wide.)
.
TΙ{E MoTt{ER MιΙΤEPΑ
l ] ,Eργovται
Τhe shepherds are comingl oι Boοκo( !
MELCι{ΙoR (He nudgesthe dozing Kaspar.)
Wake up, Kaspar!
(First siλgΙy, ιien in ιwos and threes,the shepherdsbeginto appear.
They comefrom alΙ direcιions. on the hilΙs in the distλnce]antern
Ιightspierce the darkness'SΙowΙythey converge andmove down the
τoadtoward the hut, Ιed by a radiantAmah].)
M EΛ x ι o P ( Σκoυvτdει τov Κdoπαρ' πoυ λαγoκoιμdται, )
Kdoπαρ' ξ6πvα!
(Πρcbτα tvαg6vαg, και μετd δι3oδι3oκαι rρειg τρειg,καταψΘdvoυvoι Βooκot'
'Ε'ρyovταιαπ' 6λε9 τιgκατευΘ6voειg.Mακριd, oτoυgλ6ψoυ9, ψαvαρdκια δια-
περvoι3vτo oκoτdδι. Aργd oυyκλivoυv r<αιΚατnψoρ{ζoυvεπρog τnv καλ68α,
oδnγo1μεvoι απ'τov Aμdλ, noυ λdμπει oλ6κλnρog')

SH ΕPL ΙER D S B o ΣK o Ι
Emily, Emily, Αιμιλiα, Aιμιλtα,
Michael, Bartholomew Miyαriλ, Bφοoλoμαιε, ]
how are your children and how are your sheep? nιilg εivαι τα παιδιd' πcbEπdει τo κoπdδι;
Dorothy, Doroιhy, ΔωρoΘ6α' ΔωρoΘdα,
Peter, Evangeline, Π6τρo, Eυαγγελiα,
give me your hand, come along with me. δ<οoεμoυ τo x6ρι,6λα μαζi μoυ.
,Oλα
Αll the children have mumps. τα παιδιd 6yoυvε μαγoυλιiδεg.
,Oλα
Αll ιhe flocks are asleep. τα πρ68ατα κoιμoυvται.
We are going with emant, bringing gifts to the Κings. Πnγαivoυμε με τov Αμdλ και φ6ρvoυμε δdlρα oτoυg Bαοιλιdδεg.
Benjamin, Benjamin, Bεvιαμ(v' Bεvιαμiv,
Lucas, Elizabeth, Λoυκιi, ΕλιοdBετ,
horv are your children and horv are your sheep? πcbEεivαι τα nαιδιd, πιbE ndει τo κondδι;
Carolyn, CaroΙyn, Kαρoλ[να, Kαρoλivα'
Matthew, Veronica, MατΘαtε, Bερov[κn,
give me your hand, come λΙong with me. διboε μoυ τo x€ ρ ι, 6λα μαζi μoυ.
(Raμed andjoyous' the shepherdsapproach the hut, bearingtheir (Φτωyovτυμtvoι και yαρoι3μεvoι,oι B;ooκoiπλnoιdζoυv oτnv καλι3Bα
basketso{fruit and vegetabΙes.) κoυBαλ6vταg καλdΘια με ψρoιjτα και λαyαvικd.)
Brrr! How cold is the night! Mπρρρ! Kρ6α εiv' n vfyτα!
Brrr ! tlow icy the wind ! Mπρρρ! Παγoμ6vog o dvεμog!
FΙold me very, very, very tight. Kρdτα με πoλi, noλ6, noλ6 oφιxτd.
Oh, how warm is your cloak! Aγ, n6oo ζεοτn εtvαι n κdnα οoυ!
Katherine, Katherine, Aικατερivn, Αικατερivn,
Christopher, Babila, Χριoτ6φoρε' BαBliλα'
how are your children and how are your sheep? πcilEε(vαι τα παιδιd, πι69 πdει τo κoπdδι;
Josephine,Josephine, Ιωοnφ[vα,Ιωonφivα'
ΑngeΙa,Jeremy, Αγγελικt'r' Ιερεμiα'
come along with me. ελdτε μαζi μoυ.
Oh!lo ok! Ω ' κ o i τα !
Oh!lo ok! Ω, κoiτα!
(The shepherdscrowd togetherin the frame of the door of the hut, (oι Booκoi μαζει5ovται oτo κατcbψλι τng καλ6Βα9 και μtvoυv dvαυδoι απ6
struckdumb by the sightof the Κings, not daring to enter' AmahΙ, τnv παρoυo{α τωv Bαoιλιdδωv, τ6oo noυ δεv τoλμdvε vα Ι]Πoυv. oμωg o
however, sΙipsthrough the crowd to take his pΙacebeside his mother.) Aμdλ yλιoτρdει αvdμεoα oτo πλιiθog και Bρtoκεται δiπλα oτn μnrtρα τoυ.)

Τ H E M oΤt t E R M H T EP Α
Come in, come in! Περdοτε, nερdoτε!
What are you afraid of? Τι φo86οαοτε;
(Shy and embarrassed, everyone triesto push his neighbourin ahead (Nτρoπαλoi κι αμιiyαvoι' oι Booκot oπρrbyvoυvo 6vαgτov dMov, noιog 0α
of him, untiΙaΙl of them are crouwded into one corner of the room.) πφdoει πρcbτog.Tελικd; μπαtvoυv 6λoι και oτριμcbyvovταισε μια γωvιd.)
Don,t be bashfuΙ, silly girl ! Mnv vτρ6πεοαι, αv6nτo κoρtτoι!
Don't be bashful, silly boy! Mnv vτρ6πεοαι' αv6nτo αγ6ρι!
They won't eat you. Δεν Θα oε φdvε.
Sholv whaι you brought them. Δεiζε τι τoυg 6φερεg!
(At Ιastone shepherdboΙdΙymarchesforwardand Ιayshb giftsbefore (E'vαgBooκ6gπρoyωρεt με τ6λμn κι ακoυμπdει τα δrbραoτα π6δια
the Κings, then, bowingshyΙy' he retreatsto his pΙace') τωv Bαoιλι6δωv. Mετd υπoκλ[vεται wρoπαλd και γυρtζει oτn Θ6onτoυ.)

S H E Pι 1 E RDS B o ΣΚ o Ι
Go on, go on, go on! Πρoxιilρα, πρoy6ρα' πρoxιbρα !
No! You go on! oxι! Eof nρ6τog!
Olives and quinces, apples and raisins, Eλι6g και κυδιbvια, μnλα και oταφiδεg,
nutmeg and myrtle, medΙars and cheStnuts, μooyoκιiρυδα και μυ6iτι6g, μo6oμoυλα και κιioταvα.
this is all we shepherds can offer you. Αυτd εtv' 6λα πoυ μnoρoliμε εμεig' oι Booκoi, vα σαs Πρoσφ€ ρ oυμε.

ξ1
) ιJ
Buι no'νvw.emust bid you goo(1night. ... .
We have little time for sleep and along jo.ψirey ahead.'

Sι ΙΕPH ξ R D S
Good night, my good Kings, good night and farewell.
Τhe pale smrj foretell ihat dawn is in sight. .
Good night, mygoodKings, good nighr and farewell.
'.: , . '
The night ιηlind Γoretells tIeδay wilΓ.b" b.ight.
(The shepherds passbefore ιhe Κings, bονing as.|theydepart. The '
Mothir bids th,emgood night at the-dooE andbr a moment watches
them down theroad. After aΙΙhave gone their voicesare stiΙΙ heardon
the winter air.)
ΑLL
Good night.
(ΙΙaving closed the door, AmahΙ and the Mother bid the Κings good
night. WhiΙe tbe Mother prepar9s for herseΙfa paΙΙet'of sheeμkins on
thefloor, AmιahΙseizes his opportunity and speaksω Κing Κφpar') .
eιηλnι
Ξ,."si .", sir, amongst your magic stones
is there... is there one that could cure a crippled boy?
ΚΑ SPΑ R
Eh?
(Defeatedby Κaspar'sdeafness,AmahΙ goessadΙyto hispaΙΙetot
straw.)

ΑM Α ι ΙL
Never mind... good night.

sHEPHERDS (rom off-stage)

Good nighι, good nighι ,,
The daιv,n isin sιghi
Good night, fareiell, good night.
(The Mother andAmahΙ have Ιain down on their paΙΙets.The Κings,
ltiΙΙ sitting on the rude bench, settΙethemselvesto sΙeep,Ιeaning
against each other' The Page curΙs himseΙf up at their feet, his arms Ιaid
protectiveΙyover the rich gifts, His Ιantem hasbeenpΙacedon thefΙoor
by the firepΙace,Ιeaving'onΙya dim gΙow in theroom')
(The Ιightsin the hut are ΙoweredcompΙeteΙy to denotethe passage of
time. on the Ιasι chords of the interlude the interior of the hut is
sΙowΙy Ιighιed by thefirst paΙe raysof thedawn from the hiΙΙs.)
Τ ιl E MoT FΙEκ (Stiil sitring on herpaΙΙet, the Mother cannottake her
eyesfrom thi treasureguarded by the Page.)
Αll that goΙdl All that gold!
Ι wonder if rich people knorv what to do with their gold !
Do they know how a child could be fed?
Do rich people know?
Do they,know that a house can be kept warm all day with
burning logs?
Do rich people know?
Do they know horv to roast svr'eetcorn on the [ire?
Do they know?
Do they knorγ holv tδ filι a courtyard with doves?
Do they knorvJ
Do they knorv how to miιk,a clover.fed goat?
Do they knorv?
Do they knorr how to spice hot wine on cold winrer nighrs?
Do they know?
Αll that gold! Αll ιhaι gold!
oh, what Ι could do for my child with that gold!
Why should it all go to a child they don't even know?
They are asleep. Do Ι dare?
ΙfΙ takeso me t h e y'Ιl n e ve rm i s s i t.' ' i .' ' .
(S'ΙρwΙyshe dtaws herseΙf acroΞsthe fLoor,dragging her body wiιh her
hands' ΙΙer woτds becomea hushed whisμr.)
For my child,. ; for my child,.. for my child...
(Αs the Mother touches thegoΙd, the Pageis instantΙy aroused.He
seizes heτ arrn,crying to hb masters.The Mδtheη pulΙs frantica!Ιyto
Eree herseΙf,dragging the Page into the centre of the room' She stiΙΙ
cΙutches thegoΙd a1d jeweΙs ihe hasseized.)
T }ΙE PΛGE
ThieflΤhief!
(The Κings awakenin confusionand τise.)

MELc Ι-ι l o R ' BΑL TH ΑZ ΑR

What is ir? What is it?
Τ FΙE PΑ GΕ
Ι,ve seen her steal some of the.goΙd.]
She's a thief ! Don't let her gol
She's stolen the gold !
ΚA SPΑ R ' MELCFΙΙoR' BAL T HΑZΑR
Sha me!Shame !
TΗ E PΑ GE
Give it back or I'll tear iι out of you l
(AmahΙ awakens,at firstcompΙeteΙybewildered'When he seeshis
mother in the hands of the Page,he heΙμ himseΙfup with his crutch
andawkwardΙy hurΙs himseΙf upon thePaφ, beatiig him hysterica]Ιy
and puΙΙing his hair, in an effoft to force the riιan to reΙeasethe Mother.)
κ ΙN GS, T H E P ΑG E
Give it back! Give it backt
i

Α MΑ I{ L
Don't you dare!
Don't you dare, ugly man, hurt my mother!
Ι'll smash in your face!
Ι,ll knock out your teeth!
Don't you dare!
Don't you dare, uglyman, huπ my mother!
(rushιng to Κing Kasparand tuξging at his robe)
Oh, Mister King, donrt ler him hurt my mother!
My mother is good.
She cannot do anything wrong.
Ι'm the one who lies. Ι'm the one who steals.
(rushingback to a,ttackthePage)
Don't you dare !
Don't you dare, ugly man, hurι my mοther!
Ι'll break all your bon:es!
Ι,ll bash in your head !
(At a sign from Kaspar, the Page reΙeasesthe Mother' StiΙΙ kneeling,
she raisesher armstoward h'erson.chokedby tears,AmahΙ st'aggeτs
toward her and; Ιetρiηghiscrutch'faΙL,doΙlapses, sobbing,inιo his .
mρther,sarms') .
.
vειcιΙlbR
ι,n, \λ/oman'you may Reep the gold.
The Child we seek doesn'r need our gold.
On Ιove, on love alone
tΙe νvill build His kingdom.
tΙis pierced hand will hold no sceptre..-,.
}Ιis haloed head wilΙ \Mearno crown.
}tis might will not be built on youτ toil.
Swifter ιhan lightning
}te wiΙl soon walk among us.
He will bring us new life and receive our death,
and ιhe keys to FΙis city belong to ιhe poor.
(turning to theother Κings)
Let us leave, my friends.
(Freeing herseΙfirom Amah]'s embrace,th'eMother throws heτseΙf on her
kneesbeforethe Κings,φilΙing thegold she hastaken from her handson
to the carpet.ΜeanwhiΙe,Amah]is on his feet,leaningon his crutch.)
To φcoτooτεφαvoμ€ v o Toυ κεφ<iλι δεv Θα φoρ6οει κoριilvα.
FΙ δ6vαμri Τoυ δεv Θα εivαι o δικ69 ooυ μ6xθog.
Πιo γρtiγoρoE κι απ6 τnv αoτραnr1
Θα nεριiοει αvιiμεοd μαg.
Θα μαg φ6ρει v6α.ζωf , Θα δεyτεi τo θιivατ6 μαg,
και τα κλειδιd τng noλιτεtα6 Τoυ Θ' αvriκουv στoυs φτωγοδg.
(yυρvcΔvταgoτoυgdΜoυg δι3o Bαoιλιdδεg)
Φiλoι μoυ, πρ6nει να πnγα(voυμε.
(ΙΙ Mnτtρα απελευΘερcbvεται απ' τo αγκdλιαoμα τoυAμdλ και πlψτει oτα π6-
δια τωv Βαoιλιdδωv, πετrΙιvταgoτo yαλ[ rc yρυodψι πoυ εtyεαρπdξει' o Aμdλ
onκι|lvεται με τn BofiΘεια τngnατερiτoαgτoυ.)

Τ ttΕ M o TF ΙΕ R MιΙTEPΑ
Oh, no, wait.. . take back your gold ! Ay, 6yι, περιμ€ v ετε... ndρτε πtoω τo xρυοdφι oαg!
.Evαv
For such a King I've waited all my life. τ6τoιo Bαoιλιd περiμεvα ο, 6λn μoυ τn ζωn.
Αnd if Ι weren,t so poor Kαι αv δεv nμoυvα τ6oo φτωxιi,
I would send a gift δf my own to such a child. Θα 6οτελvα δικ6 μoυ δ<bροο, αυτ6 τo παιδi.

Α MΑ ι l L ΑMΑΛ
But, Moιher, let me send him my crutch. Mnτ6ρα, Θα τoυ yαρiοω τnv nατερiτoα μoυ.
Who knows, he may need one, Πoιog ξ6ρει, μnoρεi vα τn yρειdζεται,
and this I made myself. κι αυτriv εδω τnv 6φτιαξα με τα γdρια μoυ.

Τ ιtE MO ΤHΕR
But that yοu can't, you can't !
(The Μother moves to stop him aS he staτtsto raise the crutch. Amah]
Ιifts the crutch. There is a comphete hush in the room. The boy takes
one steP toward the Κings, then reaΙizes that he has moved without the
heΙp o[ his crutch,)
M H Τ EP Α
Αδι|vατo, αυτ6 δεv γivεται. Mn!
(H Mnτlρα πρoyωρεΙ vα τov oταματιiσει rnv rbραπoυ o Aμdλ onκrbvει τnv
nατερiτoα. Aπ6λυτn oιγli oτo δωμdτιo' To αγ6ρι κdvει 6vα Βliμα nρog toυg
Bαoιλιdδεg,μετd oυvειδnrcnoιεt 6τι κιvιiΘnκε yωρEgτn θonΘεια τngπαtερi.
τoαc τoυ.)

ΑMΑ}ΙL (in a whisper) AνιΛ (ψιΘυριoτd)

Ι w al k, Mother.. . Περnατdω, Mnτ6ρα...
Ι walk, Mother! Περπατιiω, Mnτ6ρα!

K ΑSPΑ R Κ Α ΣΠ Α P
H e waΙks.. . Περnατdει. '.

ME L cFt ΙoR M EΛX I o P

H e wal ks. . . Περπατdει...

BΑLΤιΙΑZΑR BΑΛTΑΣΑP
He walks.. . Περπατdει.. '

Τι ΙΕ MoTΙ. tΕR M H Τ EP Α
} Ιe wal ks. . . Περnατdει...
(Step by step, Amahl very slowΙy makes his way toward the Κings, the (Bιiμα Bτiμα,o Aμdλ πρoyωρεt αρydπρog τoυg Βαoιλιdδεg,κρατrΔvταgτnv πα-
crutch heΙd before him in his outstretched hands. The Mother rises τερ[τoαoτ' απλωμtvα τoυ y6ρια. LΙ Mnτtρα κdvει πtoω oyεδ6v ivτρoμn, απ6
and draws back, aΙmost fearfuΙ of the miracΙe she behoΙds,) τo θαι3μαπoυ Bλtπει.)

K Α SPΑ R ' MELCΗΙoR, B A L Τ ι { Α ZΑ R K Α ΣΠ Α P . M EΛX Ι o P ' B Α ΛT A ΣΑ P

Ιt is a sign from the Holy Child.
We must give praise to the new-born King.
We must praise Him.
This is a sign from God!
(Having pΙaced the crutch in the outstretched hands of King Κaspar,
AmahΙ moves uncertain]Y to the centre of the room.)
Αυτ6 εivαι μnvυμα απ6 τo Θεio 8ρ6φog.
Πρ6nει vα υμvriοoυμε τov vεoγ6wnτo Bαoιλι<i.
Πρdnει vα Tov δοξολoγfiοoυμε,
Αυτ6 εivαι μιivυμα τoυ iδιου τoυ Θεof l
(o Aμιdλπαραδiδει τnv πατερtτoατoυ oτ' αnλωμtvα ytρια τoυ Κdoπαρ και κι-
vεiται αBtBαια πρog τn μton τoυ δωματioυ.)

(With growing confidence,AmahΙ beginstojump and caper (Σιγd oιγd, με αυζαv6μεvn εμnιoτooι|vn oτov εαυτ6 τoυ, o μικρ69 αρyiζει vα
aboutthe room.) yoρoπnδdει oτo ytbρo.)

A MΑ H L ΑMΑΛ
Loo k , Mo th e r , I c a n d a n ce, Κoiτα, Mnτ6ρα, yoρειiω,
Ι c an jum p , Ι can run! nnδdω, τρ6yω.
K Α SPΑ R' MELcrΙΙoR' B ALT Ι { A ZΑ R KAΣΠΑP, MEΛX]oP, se,\τe:ep
TruΙy, he can dance, ΑλfΘεια, yoρεfει,
he can jump, he can run! πnδdει, τρ6γει.
(The Mother and the Κings foΙΙow AmahΙbreathlessΙy, fearing.that he (Ι1 Mnτ6ρα Και oι τρειζ Bαoιλιdδεg ακoλoυθo6v τov A1ιiλ λαyαvιαoμ6voι'
may faΙΙ' At Ιast, as he turns a cΙumsy pirouette, Amah] stumbΙes and απ6 ψ68o μιiπωg ntoει. T6λo9,καΘrbgo'μικρ69 κdvει μιαv αδtξια nιρoυtτα,
faΙΙs to the floor.) oκouτdψτει καt θρtoκεται oτo πdτωμα.)
THE MoΤFΙEp (She goes quickΙy to Amahl and Ιifts him from the floor') M HΤEPΑ (Tρtyει oτov Aμdλ και τov onκ6vει.)
Please, my darling, be careful now. Αγ6ρι μoυ, πρ6οεγετιbρα.
You must take care not to hurt yourself. Πρ6oεyεμn γτυπιiοειg,
KA SPΑ R ' M E L CH 1 o R , BΑL Τ}t ΑZΑR K Α ΣΠ Α Ρ . M EΛX Ι o Ρ ' B Α ΛT Α ΣΑ P
oh, good womaη, you must not be afraid. Mn φoBdoαι. καλfi γυvαiκα.
For he is Ιoved by the Son of God. Τov nρoοτατειiει n αγdπn τoυ Yιο6 του Θεof.
KΑ SPΑ R K Α ΣΠ A P
oh, blessed child, may Ι touch you? Ω, ευλoγnμ6vo nαιδi, μπoριil vα ο, αyγiξω;
MELc HιoR M ΕΛX Ι o P
oh, blessed child, may Ι touch you? Ω, ευλoγnμ6vo παιδi' μπoρril vα o' αγγtξω;

BΑLTFtΑZΑR
oh, blessed child, may Ι ιouch you?
(one at a time, the Κings passbeforeAmahΙ and Ιay their handsupon
him. Then eachgoes acrossto take up his gift to the ChiΙd, ready to
b.eginthe departure.The Pagecomes Ιast,prostrating himseΙfon the
floor beforeAmah].)
B Α ΛT A ΣΑ P
Ω, ευλoγnμ6vo παιδt, μπoρtil vα ο'αγγiξω;
(,Εvαgivαg, oι Βαoιλιdδεg περvdvε μπρooτd απ6 τov Aμdλ και τov αγγtζoυv.
Μετιi καΘivαg πnγαivει και nα{ρvει τo δtbρo τoυ Yια τo Θεto Βρtψog, tτoι.
μoE vα ξεκιvfioει' o Ynnρtτng lρyεται τελευταtog και πρooκυvdει τov
Aμdλ.)

Τ H E PΑ GE Y Π } 1 P EΤ H Σ
Oh, blessedchild, may Ι touch you? Ω, ευλoγnμ6vo nαιδt, μπoριb vα o' αγγiξω;
ΑMΑFΙL (enjoyinga first tasteof seΙf-importance) AΜAΛ (απoλαμΒdvovταgτn onμαvτικ6τnτd τoυ)
Well, Ι don,t know if Ι'm going ιo|et you touch me. Δεv ξ€ ρ ω αν εo6vαΘα ο, αφriοω vα μ, αγγiξειg.
ΤHΕ MoΤHΕn (ingentΙereproofl M }ΙT E PΑ (oε τ6vo ευγεvικd εnιτιμnτικ6)
Αmahl! Αμ<iλ!
ΑM Α Ft L ΑMAΛ
oh, aΙl right..' but just once. Kαλd, 6oτιo.'. Αλλd για λiγo.
Look, Mother, Ι can fight, Koiτα, Mnτ6ρα, μnoριb vα μαλιbvω,
Ι can work, Ι can play! μnoρcb vα δoυλε6ιο, μπoρril vα nαiζcυ.
Oh, Mother, Ιet me go with the Kings! Αx, Mnτ6ρα, doε με vα πdω με τoυg Bαoιλιdδεgl
Ι want to take the cruιch ιo the Child myself. Θ€ λ ω vα πρooφ6ρω μ6voE μoυ τnv nατερiτοα oτo Παιδt.
ΚΑ SPA R . MΕLcHΙoR, BΑL Τ HΑZΑR KΑΣΠΑΡ. λ,1EΛXΙoP. BΑΛTΑΣΑΡ
Υes, good'woman, let him come with us! Nαι, καλf γυvαiκα, dο, τovε vα 'ρΘει μαζi μαE!
We'll take good care of him, Θα τov nρoo€ x oυμε πoλf
we'll bring him back on a camel's back. και Θα o, τov ξαvαφ6ρoυμε στn ριiyn μιαg καμfλαg.
(Amah]and his mother Αre togetherapartfrom the others,she (o Aμdλ και n μnτtρα τoυ εtvαι yωριoτd απ6 τoυg dλλoυg,κι αυτιi
kneeΙingbeforehim,) γovατiζει μnρooτd τoυ. )
Τ H E Mo T H Ε R MHΤ EPΑ
Do you really wanι to go? Θ6λειg τ6οo noλ6 vα Ι1αζ;

A MΑ H L ΑMΑΛ
Yes, Mother. Nαι. Mnτ6ρα.

T H E MOT H E R MHΤ EPA

Αre you sΙre, sure, sure? Εtoαι otγoυρog, oiγoυρog, αtγoυρog;

Α MΑ H L ΑMAΛ
I'm sure ! Nαι, εiμαι oiγoυρog!

Τ HΕ M oTHΕ R MHT EPΑ

Yes, Ι think you should go, Kαλα. Noμιζω πωg μπoρεig vα Παs.
and bring thanks to the Child yourself. vα ευγαριoτrioειg μ6vog οoυ τo Παιδt.