After the medieval Mystery Play from York
The scene is Calvary. Jesus enters carrying the Cross.
SOLDIERS
Sir knights, you know as well as I
How the lords and leaders of our law
Have decreed this fool shall die.
He must be definitely dead by noon
So it is high time that we begin!
Let’s bang him down! Then quite soon
The crowds will cease their wailing din.
The foulest death of alla
Shall he die for his deeds,
With hammers, nails, large and long,
Let’s do it with good speed
Let’s kill this traitor strong!
JESUS
Almighty God, my Father free,
Now in death I give myself to Thee.
From its sins to save mankind
That it through me may favour find.
SOLDIERS
This sorcerer is like a madman
This painful death don’t scare him!
He’ll regret his silly sayings.
Or will his father-god now spare him?
(they laugh)
This traitor smeared with treason
Claimed to be a king -
Here’s a nail that will stand fast
If I can hammer it in -
This fellow’s lost his reason -
We commit no sin!
The people when he’s dead will know
He was a wicked thing.
It’s now my turn to make quite sure
The saviour doesn’t fail
To die a right royal death! So now
Let me bang in a nail!
That done, another dreary thing
Is asked of you and me:
We’ve got to make him hang on high
So that everyone can see.
Alright, then all together!
Lift on one, two, three!
Lift up!
Heave ho!
A little more!
Hold then!
He weighs a weight!
The worst is past!
Oh lift again!
There, the Christ has met his fate!
Say, sir, how do you like
The work that we have done?
We pray you, tell us how
It feels to be God’s Son!
JESUS
Of what they do, these men know naught
So Father, one thing I crave:
That you forgive these men their sins
And let their souls be saved.
All men and women on the earth
Behold my head, my hands, my feet!
Let not my suffering be in vain:
My work is now complete.
SOLDIERS
You that destroyed the temple
and said you could raise it again,
You that are God almighty,
say you don’t feel any pain!
Brave with words, his power’s now gone
As Pilate decreed, the deed is done;
Let’s draw lots to see who gets
His coat - It’s me! I’ve won!
Let’s go back now and report back to base
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