Kwan-yin

"Kwan-yin" by Stella Benson is an intense one-act play presenting two acolytes and four priests worshiping before an altar of the Goddess Of Mercy. Do they, however, hear her voice when she answers? Or are they too preoccupied with their very own sound? Excerpt: "A woman's voice again sings, unheeded, from behind the veil of smoke. Wherefore plead with death? Who shall soften the terrible heart of death? All, in urgent but slow unison: Kwan-yin. Kwan-yin. Kwan-yin. Kwan-yin. The golden face of Kwan-yin above the altar changes suddenly and terribly, and becomes like a masque of fear. The lanterns flare spasmodically. The voice can now be identified as Kwan-yin's, but still the priests stand unhearing with their heads bowed, and still the passionless bell rings. Kwan-yin, in a screaming voice: Ah, be still, be still.... I am Kwan-yin. I am Mercy. Mercy is defeated. Mercy who battled not, is defeated. She is a captive bound to the chariot of pain. Sorrow has set his foot upon her neck. Sin has mocked her. Turn away thine eyes from Mercy, From poor Mercy. Woo her no more. Cry upon her no more."