Sophia

to rtomir and vitomil
simona semeni
sophia
or while i almost ask for more or a parable of the ruler and the wisdom
(draft translation)
sophia
page 2 of 86
above the royal city

dark clouds
are gathering
gathering
many many years ago
and yet, not too many to be able to count them with the fingers of two left and two right hands
far far away
and yet, not too far to smell the blossoming linden tree in the midst of the square
in the midst of the royal city
there is a magnificent palace
in the magnificent palace, a royal hall
in scarlet
and
gold
in the royal hall
vladimir
the mighty ruler
vladimir
mighty?
are you sucking up to me again, you louse?
in the royal hall, minister bogomir

many many years ago
far far away
vladimir's spiritual advisor is standing by his ruler
looking at him somehow
upwards
bogomir
sucking up?
milord, by no means
I was merely ascertaining
vladimir
mighty
that sounds good
vladimir the mighty
gathering
the clouds
the air trembles
the air trembles as if the sky were on fire
simona semeni 2010, simona.semenic@gmail.com

Any use or reproduction of all or any part of this text without the written permission of the author is strictly
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sophia
page 3 of 86
bogomir
my, how stuffy its today
vladimir
a storm is coming
so?
you were saying?
bogomir
Ive just come from the country, milord
the news is good
vladimir
what?
bogomir
things are going well for us
vladimir
going well - what?
bogomir
my messengers all report the same, from all parts of the country
disquiet
dissatisfaction
disagreement
the air trembles

and then
vladimir
disquiet?
dissatisfaction?
bogomir
disagreement
right
vladimir
so you believe the time has come, minister?
and then
bogomir

prohibited.
sophia
page 4 of 86
right
I believe the time has come
the people are dissatisfied enough
our time has come
vladimir
well done, minister
you deserve a reward
and so do your messengers
bogomir
thank you, milord
your praise is enough of a reward for my hard work
and above all
just to make it clear
above all, a better future is a reward enough
I won't deny I have been working hard
the path to raising the people's awareness has been long
but here we are now
and I am content that this time has come
and my effort has been rewarded
the people are dissatisfied to the point of madness
and its getting worse
milord
if you know what I mean
and then
vladimir
I know, bogomir
you truly are a louse
bogomir
don't, milord
dignity!
and then
lightning
thunder
raindrops
and its pouring
vladimir
I have to say I doubted you could make it in such a short time

prohibited.
sophia
page 5 of 86
to set the people at daggers drawn

wow, how well Ive put it
bogomir
an excellent figure of speech, truly
my noble lord
however
if I might suggest
at daggers drawn is not exactly
how to put it
appropriate
yes, that's how Id put it
not exactly an appropriate word
its about awareness, milord
awareness of the crowd, which is not in a
how to put it
not in a position
yes, not in a position
to see the big picture
bogomir stands still for a while

and then sternly
meaningfully
looks at the ruler
the rain is pouring
bogomir
vladimir
did you check?
are you certain?
did you also do your hocus-pocus?
bogomir
milord!
you cannot dismiss spirituality in this manner
I did
the oracle blesses this undertaking
and pouring
vladimir

prohibited.
sophia
page 6 of 86
hm
hm
so, the time has come to deal with the barbarians in the east
bogomir
exactly, milord
we will finally be able to sweep them out along with their
how to put it
negative impact on our land
and then, nothing will stand in the way of the progress
vladimir
oh you louse
of course I know
to stem this disquiet
people are running under the roofs

bustle and panic
panic, as if it weren't simply a storm
panic, as if it weren't simply a lightning
thunder
and water
bogomir
dissatisfaction
disagreement
exactly
vladimir
to stem the tide of this putridity from within
wow, how well Ive put it
tide of the putridity from within

he did put it well
vladimir
to stem the tide of this putridity from within
your spiritual hocus-pocus says to strike the barbarians with all our forces
bogomir
exactly
the people are dissatisfied, because they dont know who the culprit is
but now

prohibited.
sophia
page 7 of 86
when they get to know the culprit

and will be able to throw a stone at him
vladimir
so, with all the forces against the barbarians?
lightning
thunder
and water
bogomir
that's right
for they are
scum and villains and evildoers and heretics
and
and
they are evil itself
and the world must recognize that
vladimir
and if it doesnt, we are obliged to help
as you would put it, dear minister
bogomir
yes, well, I didnt mean to put it quite like that
there is no need
I mean
I mean to say
in some cases
I would say
words are redundant
among people
I mean
such as me and you
I mean
on a stone bench
in the royal city
sit two
many years ago and far away
sit two people
they sit on a stone bench along the royal river

prohibited.
sophia
page 8 of 86
the river is surging

the rain is pouring
and pouring
and they are kissing in the rain
two people on a stone bench in the royal city
and they are kissing some more
and don't stop kissing
because of the rain
or lightning
or thunder
they are sitting and kissing
more and more
hungrily
and then they are undressing
and they are hardly kissing anymore
they are almost just undressing
undressing until theyre naked
in the rain
and lightning and thunder
naked in the rain, they are fucking
on the stone bench
in the rain
in the midst of civilization
vladimir
oh, you louse you
you ingenious louse
how I like you
on a stone bench in the middle of the royal city

two people are making love
in the rain
in the midst of civilization
bogomir
milord, do not go there
please, maintain your dignity in words as well
bogomir clasps his hands

clasps his hands together
saintly
nods his head
saintly

prohibited.
sophia
page 9 of 86
vladimir
you actually are a true louse
yeah, well, thats why I like you
dignity in words
sounds nice
cultivated
bogomir
hm
only, milord and ruler, one has to proceed wisely
intelligently
I mean ...
vladimir
I know what you mean
don't worry
bogomir
no, no, one really must proceed wisely
thoroughly reflect upon one's every move
also reflect upon who to reflect upon it with
vladimir
tiny little louse, really
of course I know
dont be afraid of branimir, I will handle him
bogomir
I didn't mean
milord
vladimir
of course you didn't
branimir is precious, loyal
and has a sense of diplomacy
however, its true that hes
how to put it
not stern enough
stern
bogomir
right, right

prohibited.
sophia
page 10 of 86
he thinks too much
vladimir
and hes not tenacious enough
tenacious
bogomir
yes, he doubts far too much
vladimir
and hes not steely enough
man of steel
bogomir
and doesnt think with his heart
vladimir
yes
he doesnt think with his heart
nicely put
bogomir
as if he were, how to put it
some extension of the old forces
how to put it
he sympathizes
in a way
you know
well
with ungodliness
and, how to put it
vladimir
don't worry
leave him to me
you have more important things to do now
first we have to fix this war
bogomir
with all our forces

prohibited.
sophia
page 11 of 86
when the nation and language of one's own is to defend its honor and justice
vladimir
exactly
and above all wisely
vladimir looks at me
the rain is falling
no, no, no
he doesnt look at me
two people are fucking on a stone bench along the royal river
he glances at me
vladimir glances at me
vladimir
the world must realize they are evildoers
and branimir will be of great help to us in that
dont forget that, bogomir
bogomir
milord
your highness
by no means
and then
while the rain is falling and the river is surging
many many years ago
far far away
in the royal hall
in scarlet and gold
enters branimir
a loyal minister and secular advisor, almost a heretic
branimir
my lord and my ruler
I'm at your disposal
minister sir
the loyal minister branimir first soldierly greets the ruler

an then the minister
sturdily
heel to heel

prohibited.
sophia
page 12 of 86
and nods his head
bogomir
minister sir
the ingenious minister bogomir returns a greeting in a spiritual manner

saintly
palm to palm
nods his head
it all passes by very
cultivated
vladimir
branimir
here you are
greetings
are you also bringing some news?
branimir
I'm bringing news, yes
not good
unfortunately
I think there's a great danger
bogomir
danger?
bogomir, minister bogomir, smirks

smirks and meaningfully looks at vladimir
looks at vladimir, as if to say
did you see, noble lord, did you see, your highness, we are on a roll, everything is under control, for the
sake of the, your honor, for the sake of the future and, your honor, for the sake of the greater causes,
for the sake of the progress, your grace, did you see, my effort was not in vain, my raising awareness,
milord, do not, do not mention the expression at daggers drawn without dignity, its, my noble lord, to
you and to me far too lowly, its about, my lord and master, its about justice, about honor, about our
nation, its about, let me say, your highness, let me say greater cause, its about, my mighty ruler, its
about the state
thus bogomir looks at him, minister bogomir, thus he looks at vladimir
as if to say something roughly similar
and then
while the storm has started raging
while the river is surging
while two people are fucking on a stone bench

prohibited.
sophia
page 13 of 86
branimir
yes
there is talk of rebellion
vladimir
rebellion?
what kind of rebellion?
branimir
the dissatisfaction is increasing
people are, so to speak, on the brink of madness
people are, so to speak, on the brink of madness

says branimir
meaningfully nodding his head
(as if to say: sir, I bring truly important news, therefore I am important)
vladimir
so I hear, so I hear
what do you suggest, minister?
branimir
maybe, my lord, maybe you could do something nonetheless
yield on one end
if you yielded only on one end of the matter, sir
vladimir
what do you mean yielded
bogomir
really, what do you mean yielded
branimir
you know sir
yield on one end
I don't know how exactly just now
but yield, and then we break the news
you know, to every village, every settlement, every house
then we throw a ceremony
games
we pour
for instance

prohibited.
sophia
page 14 of 86
wine
sir
you know
you abolish one single trifle
and calm the people with a ceremony
my analysis shows
and meaningfully nods his head

(as if to say: sir, I have done an important analysis, therefore I am important)
vladimir
analysis?
branimir
there
the analysis shows three critical points
regressive fiscal policy
arbitrariness of the repressive apparatus
and
hm
privatisation of natural resources
and then
then it stops pouring
vladimir
uh-huh
and what's your advice, minister?
the clouds disperse

and the sun shines
branimir
if the two of us begin
if we begin
minister branimir is forgetting minister bogomir

deliberately or accidentally forgetting
and then remembers him
deliberately or accidentally
and looks at him
and nods his head
as a sign of respect
the sun lit up the royal city

prohibited.
sophia
page 15 of 86
branimir
so, if we begin with the fiscal policy
bogomir
taxes
the people are peeping from under the roofs

slowly gathering in the open
branimir
taxes
so, if we begin with that
I'd suggest we yield a little
the people are very poor, hungry even
you know
and then they feel discontent
if we fed them a little
is what I'm saying
feed them, throw a ceremony
send messengers across the country to report on on
on your generosity, sir
if you yielded a little here, for instance, then
you know
then we can press them on some other end
first the children come out into the open

into the puddles
straight into the puddles
screaming and laughing
and then
vladimir
where exactly should I yield, minister?
the court must live on something
I cannot yield anywhere
you want the messengers to go hungry?
the catchpoles?
you, the ministers?
then the mother rushes after them

or maybe it's the grandmother
she does look somewhat aged
she rushes after them

prohibited.
sophia
page 16 of 86
bogomir
milord, I completely agree with you
should we leave the royal palaces to rot?
should we cease to give gifts to the aristocratic families?
what about tradition, what about culture?
the people are hungry
hungry, hungry
who isn't hungry
everybody hungers for something, its human, its natural
with a wooden spoon in her hand

with a wooden spoon in her hand she rushes towards the children
there are one, two, three, four, five of them
five children
muddy and wet
and then the wooden spoon
and they run away
screaming and laughing and crying
and this mother
or maybe it's the grandmother, because she really looks terribly aged
this mother is standing in a puddle
and swearing
vladimir
so what do you suggest, branimir?
the sun lit up the royal city

and its already scorching
and the air is already trembling
and the puddles are already drying
branimir
couldn't you at least ...
my lord, we have already discussed this
and you were prepared to think about it
bogomir
don't say it!
vladimir:
spiritual hocus-pocus?
bogomir

prohibited.
sophia
page 17 of 86
for the gods' sake!
a girl
a tiny little girl
with an apple in her hand
in her mouth
in her hand
is walking
in the sun
jumping over puddles in the royal city
the puddles are drying
branimir
if you at least cut the cattle contributions
contemporary practices of our northern neighbors...
bogomir
I asked you nicely not to say it
I shall not discuss this any more
not with anyone, ever
minister sir
can you possibly imagine
can you possibly imagine the poverty if we failed to sacrifice cattle to the gods?
branimir
contemporary practices...
a young woman is holding a newborn baby in her arms

she's looking at it lovingly
she's looking at it fearfully
more lovingly than fearfully
and yet, fearfully
takes her breast from under her shirt and stuffs it into the baby's mouth
the newborn baby doesnt grab it immediately
it pouts its little lips and frowns
it puts its little hands on the naked breast
the young woman stuffs her breast into its mouth again
the newborn baby sucks on the breast
it's sucking
it's sucking
it's sucking
the young woman clenches her teeth
tears are running down her cheek
the newborn baby is sucking

prohibited.
sophia
page 18 of 86
sucking
and then frowns and spits the breast out
blood pours from its mouth
the young woman is crying
wipes the blood from her breast
wipes the blood from the baby's chin
vladimir
shut up already
sacrifice is part of our...
is part of our...
vladimir looks at me again

looks at me, as if expecting me to finish his sentence
sacrifice is part of our...
bogomir
identity
there
vladimir
there
sacrificing cattle to the gods is part of our identity
the young woman takes hold of her breast and stuffs it into the newborn baby's mouth again
the young woman in a little house near the magnificent royal palace
with a royal hall
in scarlet and gold
I cannot finish the sentence for you
branimir
but you said, sir, that you were willing to think about it
minister branimir is trying hard

branimir, minister branimir is really trying hard
bogomir
minister, you are an ungodly man!
and totally without principles
your mentality can only bring us to decay
do fundamental
how to put it
fundamental values

prohibited.
sophia
page 19 of 86
yes, that's it
do fundamental values mean nothing to you?
vladimir
first, branimir
let us not stop where there is no path
let us not stop where there is no path

while the tiny little girl with the apple walks in the sun
walks in the sun
jumping over puddles, which are less and less puddles and more and more mud
jumping over mud
and offering her face to the sun
the linden tree smells divine
he put it nicely again
vladimir
I put it nicely again
bogomir
a picturesque figure of speech, truly
branimir
the repressive apparatus
bogomir
the catchpoles
branimir
the catchpoles
vladimir
continue
branimir
you don't want to hear
I don't mind
when he looks at me
when he looks at me and says
vladimir
go on

prohibited.
sophia
page 20 of 86
branimir
privatisation of natural resources
offers her face to the sun

with an apple in her hand
and then
then
bogomir
I'm not convinced that I know what you mean
vladimir
translate, minister
a man with a crate of potatoes crosses the square

a ragged group runs after him
a dirty rabble
kids
sir, sir
give us a potato
branimir
ehem
hm
a survey shows that the contemporary practices of our neighborneighbors
our northern neighborneighbors
have already changed
for instance, the rulers no longer claim the right of the first night
and all the other
nights
maybe, sir, in order to calm them
maybe you could abolish this, at least
give us just one potato, sir

the man puts the crate of potatoes down
come here, you
you, you
a ragged girl with protruding teenage nipples comes closer
do come closer, will you
the man sticks his hand under her shirt
squeezing her tit that has yet to become a tit
bogomir
ius primae noctis is a god-given right

prohibited.
sophia
page 21 of 86
minister sir, this is also unacceptable
branimir
our northern neighbors have arranged this in a more contemporary manner
if I might add
its more a change of form
squeezes her tit with one hand

holding a potato in the other
bogomir
minister sir
form also matters
ius primae noctis is a ritual which anchors
how to put it
anchors, yes
which anchors the matrix of our community
my competence cannot, must not and will not concede to this
I'm sorry, your highness, for this eruption
but we have been through this and I don't see why we should go through it again
while hes saying that

bogomir, minister bogomir
hits the table
or the wall
or maybe, if hes holding a stick, hits the stick on the floor
striking
rhythmically
minister sir
boom
even
boom
form
boom
matters
boom
ius primae noctis
boom boom
is
boom
a ritual
boom boom
which
boom

prohibited.
sophia
page 22 of 86
anchors
boom
how to put it
boom boom
anchors
boom
yes
boom
which anchors the matrix
boom boom
of our community
boom boom boom
my competence cannot
boom
must not
boom boom
and will not concede to this
boom boom boom
vladimir
its true
I'm the fornicator maximus
I should think I deserve a fresh body
now and then
fornicator maximus smiles
bogomir
milord
its not that
its about...
vladimir
identity
fornicator maximus smiles again
bogomir
right!
I'm sorry, minister sir
this must stop
this is going nowhere
and you criticize the catchpoles?
if it were true, what you're saying, the nation would not have been this unruly

prohibited.
sophia
page 23 of 86
uncultivated
unscrupulous
the catchpoles are too scarce
and the taxes are too scarce
and and
even the first nights are too scarce
boom
vladimir
I completely agree
the first nights are definitely too scarce
does this nation even marry anymore?
the last time I was brought a bride was
was
I don't even remember
the mud is drying

the mud is drying quickly
the ragged rabble is for a while watching the man with his hand on the tit that has yet to become a tit
watching
watching
then they jump on him
knocking him down with stones and arms and legs
blood spatters around
the potato rolls into a red puddle
the man is down
the rabble flees away
the girl with the tits that have yet to become the tits is picking up the potatoes in the middle of the
royal square next to the magnificent palace
bogomir
right, milord
yes
this is what we should be thinking about
why people aren't marrying
instead of making useless analyses
and surveys of the contemporary practices of the ungodly northerners
branimir
but a rebellion is being mentioned
we must act
vladimir

prohibited.
sophia
page 24 of 86
if a rebellion is being mentioned, we must find the culprit
bogomir
the culprit
look at him, you see him, you see bogomir, the spiritual advisor and minister
look at him
you see him smirking again
can you imagine what he might want to eventually potentially possibly say now
can you imagine he might now want to say something like
we landed in a tub of butter, noble ruler
we are riding high, your royal highness
we've hit the nail on the head, mighty master
the stars are on our side, your majesty
he smirks in vladimir's direction
look at him looking upwards somewhere
as if vladimir were on the ceiling
I look upwards, too, to see what hes looking at
and then you look upwards, as well
and yet, there is nothing on the ceiling
only scarlet and gold
and yet he smirks upwards
vladimir
we must find the enemy
bogomir
the enemy
branimir
uh-huh
so you see the solution in liberal diplomacy
while the air is trembling

while the sun is burning
while the river is surging
vladimir
my dear ministers
my left and my right hand
is there a need for another word?
the ministers say goodbye

they nod to the king

prohibited.
sophia
page 25 of 86
palm to palm
saintly
heel to heel
sturdily
they nod at each other
palm to palm
saintly
heel to heel
sturdily
cultivatedly
civilised
vladimir
fornicator maximus is checking me out
and I am checking him out
the mighty ruler
many many years ago
and yet, not so many
far far away
and yet, not so far
in a magnificent palace
in the midst of a less magnificent royal city
while the girl, the tiny little girl with an apple in her hand
in her mouth
in her hand
jumps across a puddle that is not a puddle anymore
because its drying quickly
really quickly
while the girl jumps across a puddle and sees something on the floor
in the drying mud
bends down
and picks up a knife
while the girl picks up a knife and cleans it
while the girl presses the knife into her fist
and, with an apple in her hand
in her mouth
in her hand
and a knife in her fist
jumps across the mud patches
vladimir puts his hands on my shoulders
puts his hands on my shoulders
looks at me
the mighty ruler
with his hands on my shoulders
in the royal hall

prohibited.
sophia
page 26 of 86
in scarlet
in gold
and then
slowly
slides his hands towards my neck
holding my throat
with both hands
presses my vein with his right thumb
not too hard
my name is
vladimir
minister!
I know you are hiding behind the curtain
there is no curtain here

why is there no curtain here
I'm thinking, while I'm looking at him
while hes still grabbing my throat
pressing my vein
it almost hurts
its almost pleasant
I almost close my eyes and I almost ask for more
vladimir
minister!
more
bogomir
your royal highness, I was just ...
vladimir
shut up already, you louse
bogomir
I beg your pardon, milord
not so
disrespectfully
the ruler moves away from me

steps towards the minister
and yet
and yet

prohibited.
sophia
page 27 of 86
hes looking at me
I am looking at him
more
vladimir
what was it you wanted, dear sir?
bogomir
the enemy
vladimir
yes
bogomir
the culprit
vladimir
yes
bogomir
we must work fast
I've heard
entirely by accident
certain rumours
vladimir
go on, say it, you louse, the clock is ticking
the clock is ticking

I repeat three times in a row
do you hear me?
bogomir
as far as the easterners are concerned, all according to the plan
however
vladimir
minister sir
you are wasting my precious time

prohibited.
sophia
page 28 of 86
time is precious, time is money, time and tide wait for no man, time will consume all things including
itself, man measures time and time measures man, all my possessions for a moment of time, the early
bird catches the worm
do you hear me?
bogomir
your grace
minister branimir allegedly wants to make a deal with the easterners
vladimir
what do you mean?
I don't understand
bogomir
he doesnt want to aggravate, he wants to alleviate
vladimir
why, that would mean...
bogomir
yes, that would mean a loss of our
how to put it?
liberty, milord
vladimir
no, no
we are too close to fortifying our authority now
it must not happen
we must act
in the name of the state
do you have any hard facts?
something I could hold on to?
bogomir
no, no, nothing certain
only rumours, as I told you
vladimir
I'm in a hurry, minister
I must save the state
I'm in a hurry
the heat is getting unbearable
the air is trembling

prohibited.
sophia
page 29 of 86
trembling
and suffocating
the smell of linden tree is sweet, too sweet
the mud is drying quickly, too quickly
its hardening too fast
bogomir
and I am here to help you with this undertaking
milord
vladimir
and yet, I need him
I cannot sacrifice him
hes too important for
you know
diplomacy
besides, the people trust him
bogomir
noble lord
I think I can take care of that
if you give me the thumbs up
I'll arrange the necessary for the people to follow you
vladimir
what do you suggest?
bogomir
an immediate attack, milord
vladimir
yes, I agree
but first we must obtain reassurance from the allies
bogomir
there's no time, milord
I'm afraid it will be too late

prohibited.
sophia
page 30 of 86
vladimir
right
the messengers are ready?
bogomir
ready, milord
vladimir
let the news travel to every village, every settlement, every house
let them inform night and day, on all the fronts
you understand?
bogomir
I understand
vladimir
and let them be on their way immediately, top secret
branimir must not find out
you understand?
bogomir
I understand, your highness
vladimir
barbarian troops are gathering on our borders
they have begun hostile activities
we expect an attack any day now
I order the most diligent attention
I order the food be gathered for the army
are you writing?
barbarian troops are gathering on our borders

boom
they have begun hostile activities
boom
we expect an attack any day now
boom boom
I order the most diligent attention
boom boom boom
I order the food be gathered for the army
bogomir
I am

prohibited.
sophia
page 31 of 86
we shall bend to no one, we shall fight for our freedom and prevail, we shall not let the barbarians rob
our nation, force it, rape our wives and daughters, this is the battle for our nation, for our freedom
vladimir
we shall bend to no one
we shall fight for our freedom and prevail
we shall not let the barbarians rob our nation
force it
rape our wives and daughters
this is the battle for our nation, for our freedom
did I put it well?
bogomir
very well, milord
vladimir
you recorded all?
bogomir
I did!
vladimir
send it!
bogomir rushes off to serve the state

the nation
freedom
the sun is burning
its hot as hell
the mud is drying quickly
hardening fast
minister bogomir is rushing down the stairs
from the palace
to the square
passes a beggar begging
minister bogomir throws him a coin
throws him a coin and rushes on to serve the state
the beggar picks up the coin and leaves
goes to the first inn
orders a piece of meat
and while ordering a piece of meat, pinches the waitress's ass
now he can pinch her
now he has a coin

prohibited.
sophia
page 32 of 86
a young tree floats by on the river

it looks like a linden tree and maybe even is a linden tree
but before one can find out, what it is, the river takes it away
a piece of roof floats by
it looks like a piece of roof and maybe even is a piece of roof
but before one can find out
vladimir
this heat is unbearable
it's even impossible to breathe
impossible to breathe
vladimir approaches me
steps in front of me
and looks at me
and then
he keeps looking at me
and ever so slow
and soft
soft as the devil, he's walking around me
looking at me
circling
and then
hes standing behind my back
and just
just smells my hair
my name is
vladimir
minister
branimir, minister branimir has entered

I haven't noticed him
I would say, if I may, that he entered sneakily
so that I couldn't have noticed him
the heat is unbearable
branimir
sir, terrible news
vladimir
I've heard, barbarian troops are gathering along the border

prohibited.
sophia
page 33 of 86
branimir
right, sir
I don't understand
it didnt seem...
I don't know what I've overlooked
vladimir
we will have to strike
branimir
what do you mean?
vladimir
would you like me to draw you a picture?
branimir
wait a moment
there's nothing certain yet
there's no violence yet
nobody is threatening anyone
why strike
and then
then minister bogomir crosses the square again
into the palace
up the stairs
into the royal hall
in scarlet
in gold
its hot as in hell
bogomir
the intimidation stops now
its time for freedom
he shoots
he shoots as if he had been repeating these two sentences all along the way
since he left the royal hall to serve the state down the stairs across the square and threw the coin to the
beggar and went on and then came back across the square into the palace up the stairs into the royal
hall
he utters these two sentences like this
like he had been repeating them all along the way
its time for freedom

prohibited.
sophia
page 34 of 86
boom
no, no
minister bogomir doesnt hit the floor
I added that myself
boom
branimir
I'm not contradicting , its true, its true
even though the intimidation is debatable
and its time for freedom
I'm not contradicting
but
the bloodshed
is it truly necessary?
vladimir
by all means
can't you see, branimir, haven't you figured it out yet?
if we don't defeat them, they will defeat us
you wouldn't want your nation, our nation, my nation, you wouldn't want it to submit to
slavery, would you?
bogomir
we have only two options
either we the righteous are triumphant, or else the more violent barbarians
boom boom
branimir
but the barbarians haven't even started attacking
for the time being, the news only says they are gathering at the border
maybe nothing will happen
why strike first?
why be the first to shed blood?
vladimir
they haven't started yet, but they will
sooner or later they will!
what are you going to do then?
when the first innocent victims begin to fall
when our people begin dying
only because we weren't determined enough
what are you going to do then?

prohibited.
sophia
page 35 of 86
boom boom boom
branimir
I myself would not aggravate it yet
that's all I'm saying
vladimir
you are not stern enough
bogomir
you think too much
vladimir
you are not tenacious enough
bogomir
you doubt too much
vladimir
you are not steely enough
branimir
all of these?
vladimir
all of these and even more
you don't think with your heart
branimir
with my heart?
boom boom
boom boom
vladimir
this moment is key
the foe will grind us into dust
their army is much better equipped
not to mention how very ruthless
if we don't act now, if we don't act now as we should
then
then we remain in chains forever

prohibited.
sophia
page 36 of 86
don't you get that?

we are by no means letting this happen
branimir
mister bogomir, its your turn
bogomir
meaning?
branimir
at this point, I'd expect you to say: by no means
by no means
bogomir
do you really feel communication of such kind is up to my standards?
by no means
branimir
by no means
vladimir
decorum, sirs, decorum
and focus
we have an important decision to make
important for us and for future generations
if we don't seize this moment, we will miss the history
we must shape the future in line with ourselves
in line with our people
do you understand?
branimir
I do, I do
but still
I still think we should find a more peaceful way
I still think maybe we don't need to shed blood
I think we have to do everything in our power to find common ground
bogomir
of course
beyond dialogue there is death
branimir

prohibited.
sophia
page 37 of 86
and yet?
bogomir
meaning?
branimir
I would expect you to finish the sentence
beyond dialogue there is death and yet?
bogomir
your cynicism is totally inappropriate
I have finished my sentence
vladimir
so you propose a dialogue?
bogomir
with whomever its possible
the persuaded are impossible to persuade
branimir
and yet yet
dusk is falling on the royal city

a family is sitting at the table
one
two
three
four
five
there are five
a family is sitting and waiting for dinner
there is a bowl of soup on the table
a carrot is floating in it
a turnip is floating in it
the father takes a knife
cuts the carrot in five
three smaller pieces, two bigger ones
cuts the turnip in five
three smaller pieces, two bigger ones
takes the salt
adds salt
something else is floating inside the bowl
you're looking and looking to see what its, but you can't figure it out

prohibited.
sophia
page 38 of 86
you're looking some more

but meanwhile, the dinner has gone
vladimir
I don't follow you two anymore
now is not time for this
its time for action
its time to do what has to be done
and if weapons are necessary so be it
bogomir
so be it
vladimir
our future, the future of our nation is at stake
bogomir
the future of our nation
branimir
well, at least something good
at least the nation is somewhat appeased
though frightened
but my ruler, whatever you do at this moment, the nation will follow you
vladimir
your words are confusing me
I'm not sure I know what you mean to say
branimir
only that the so-called nation calls for a thorough reflection all the more
bogomir
you don't stop and you won't stop
can you not see there's no other solution?
that we are on our way to being crushed, to being suppressed?
and forever, may I add?
the river is rolling

a shooting star flashes
vladimir
and its necessary to think beyond the borders of our conflict

prohibited.
sophia
page 39 of 86
bogomir
exactly
beyond the borders, they await our right decision
they are waiting for us to offer our hand
we can obtain allies in the south as well as the north
mister branimir, you are more aware of this particular situation
what do you say?
branimir
my first guess would be the north
the north is more reliable
and of course they are more interested in rejecting the barbarians
so that we can set our own governor in the east
vladimir
uh-huh
so that's it
have you anyone in particular in mind?
branimir
oh, sir, is there a need for any words?
vladimir
there isn't
we must think about the nation
so?
you think we could manage?
with the northerners?
meanwhile, darkness has descended on the royal city
branimir
my first guess would be yes
I think there shouldn't be any big problems
vladimir
what would it cost?
branimir
my first guess, as I was saying, would be one marriage
and a shooting star flashes

make a wish

prohibited.
sophia
page 40 of 86
bogomir
one marriage?
does this mean we should also accept their gods?
branimir
I'm afraid so
the two usually go hand in hand
vladimir
what does she look like?
bogomir
milord!
branimir
they say she's as beautiful as a shooting star
make a wish before its too late
vladimir
that's what they also said about my seventh wife
but I ended up with a toothless butch with a moustache
you haven't seen her?
branimir
I haven't
bogomir
and how certain are you of this possibility?
branimir
quite certain
vladimir
it has to be verified
quickly
before we start the war
I don't know what you're waiting for
go, go
on your horse!
to the north!
bogomir
but to accept foreign gods?

prohibited.
sophia
page 41 of 86
vladimir
there's no time
just go!
minister branimir is already in the saddle

is already leaving the royal city
is galloping through the night
to the north, to the north
and galloping
a tender face is gazing after him
long after minister branimir is gone
a tender woman's face
I would say, at first glance, that love is in the air here
I would say that this woman, almost a girl, is gazing after the minister for a very special reason
she's gazing after the minister and then draws the curtain
and then we don't see her anymore
the darkness fell upon the city
bogomir
milord, I'm worried
vladimir
you don't have to worry about anything, everything is going smoothly, just as it has to
when branimir returns with favourable news, we strike
everything is as it should be
bogomir
no, no, milord
I think first we have to take care of some
how to put it
some business
I'm talking about an internal enemy, milord
vladimir
what internal enemy?
bogomir
I'm talking about the voices that are too loud
the voices that are not going to go silent just like that
and then, my respected, noble ruler
then I'm also talking about providing the nation with a greater satisfaction
if your wise authority is to
how to put it

prohibited.
sophia
page 42 of 86
strengthen in the years to come
vladimir
voices that are too loud?
that won't go silent just like that?
what are you talking about?
bogomir
you know what I'm talking about, milord
the instigators
the instigators of the people that need to be silenced
or, of course, if possible, made to cooperate
vladimir
I'm tired
I'm tired, he says and looks at me

looks at me with a tired softness in his eyes
so that I have to believe him
I have to believe he really is tired
I think about approaching him
I make a step
and then another
I'm walking towards him
bogomir
I understand, milord
but this has to be settled before minister branimir returns
Im standing in front of him

the mighty ruler
take a rest
I say
lie down and take a rest
and he looks at me, as if he heard
looks at me as if he wanted to respond
and then
he reaches for me with his hand
thumb on the jugular vein
pressing
looking at me
soft as the devil
and pressing
I almost ask for more

prohibited.
sophia
page 43 of 86
vladimir
who are they, these instigators?
while I almost ask for more

while soft as the devil hes pressing my jugular vein
a young man
coughing, looks at the stars
looks at the stars and takes notes
coughing
doesnt see anything else
not the river rolling
not the linden tree
not the luxurious palace
not the royal city
looks at the stars
coughing
and takes notes
make a wish, before its too late!
bogomir
the widow, more precisely, her daughters
too late
I'm the widow
my name is
vladimir
un-huh
they are still in the game?
I thought they would marry, so we'd have peace
and I wouldn't mind the first night
my name is
too late
bogomir
milord, be serious
key matters are at stake here
rebellion, instigation and above all
most importantly
disrespect to the institution of power
they are dangerous

prohibited.
sophia
page 44 of 86
especially now, in these

how to put it
in these delicate
sensitive
times
a man approaches a little house

with his head bent between his shoulders
slowly
he approaches the little house
and then steps back a few steps
so he can look through the window
looks through the illuminated window
light inside the little house
the man looks at the house
and sees her
she doesnt see him
shes sweeping the floor
shes cooking
shes putting the bowl on the table
she sits at the table
she eatsporridge
shes cleaning up
shes washing the dishes
she doesnt see him
he is looking at her
for a long time
for a long time
and then leaves
with his head bent between the shoulders
vladimir
bring them in, then
I don't know what you were waiting for till now
bogomir
they are already here, milord
my name is
I am a widow
my daughters are hope, faith, and love
my name is
I am an aristocrat

prohibited.
sophia
page 45 of 86
and I have to save the state

too late
I am of blue blood
blue, blue is the color
vladimir
oh, you louse
behind my back!
bogomir
we are in a hurry, milord
we are standing on the threshold of history
vladimir
you put it very well
he has put it well

and then
then enters hope
enters love
enters faith
into the royal hall
in scarlet and gold
in the middle of a magnificent palace
in a less magnificent royal city
many many
yet not so many years ago
far far
and yet not so far away
there was love
love is my youngest daughter
she likes to wear red, she says its the color of love
love
no, mother
red is the color of courage and passion
that's something else
well, let us not split hairs, my dear

especially not now
not now, when its too late
when you are in chains
because you are a threat to the fatherland

prohibited.
sophia
page 46 of 86
there was faith

faith is my middle daughter
she was born during the war
at the time when her father fought battles for king vladimir
I wanted to say, for our fatherland
I apologize
he fought battles for our fatherland
faith likes to eat apples
shes almost constantly holding an apple in her hand
but not now
do you see, do you see shes not holding an apple now?
there was hope
my eldest daughter is hope
hope was born among the poor people, a mere coincidence
with my big belly, I carried bread to the poor
pretty lady, pretty lady, pretty lady, they shouted after me
stinking and dirty and starving children and adults
I was disgusted, I tell you, I was disgusted, the bigger the belly, the harder it was to go
but a habit dies hardevery thursday morning, ever since I can remember, I carry bread to the poor
I am an aristocrat
pretty lady, pretty lady, they hung on to my skirt, the neglected children with their eyes bigger than
their cheeks
and I hand out the bread until its gone
I stand there, looking at them, thinking no, no, my world is not like that, my child is not going to be
born into this world
pretty lady, a dirty little girl clings to me forcefully, clings to my right arm, not wanting to let go, until
her mother forces her to
smile, smile
and then the pain in my stomach
hope wanted to get out
she was in a terrible hurry
and then plop
in that dirty mess
pretty lady, pretty lady
they reached their dirty hands towards my newborn baby
pretty lady
no, no, my child was not born into this world
I am an aristocrat
my name is
the color blue is the color of
the catchpoles bring forth all three of them
my name is
I am an aristocrat
my daughters are love, hope and faith

prohibited.
sophia
page 47 of 86
in chains, as a threat to our fatherland, they stand before the mighty ruler vladimir
vladimir
greetings, my ladies
do you know why you are here?
hope, love and faith say nothing
vladimir
a tiny bit stubborn, are we?
he says to them and looks at me

hope, love and faith still say nothing
stubborn
although I must say, this I have to say, I am surprised
especially by love
I would expect her to attack him and at least bite his nose off
I would expect her to start shouting
or at least unfold some theory on the uselessness of the state apparatus
or whatever she calls it
but nothing
nothing
love
stubborn?
she speaks quietly

very quietly
now I'm even more scared
love, my love, who loves the color red
red is the color of love
love
stubborn?
you dragged us here like criminals and you ask us if we know why we are here
no, we don't know
and yes, of course we know
because you are a swine
vladimir
lovely girl, don't say that
such words
from this juicy mouth
don't

prohibited.
sophia
page 48 of 86
the fornicator has awakened

the fornicator is excited by such words
such words from such a juicy mouth
he moves towards love
soft as the devil
and touches her
softly as the devil
vladimir
such a lovely little girl
the royal city is in total darkness

the air is not trembling
the air is standing still
the heat is not passing off
and the air is standing still
shes reading by candlelight
shes reading a huge book
shes reading about holding hands
reading about a kiss
reading about two sweaty bodies intertwining
shes reading a huge book by candlelight
hope
leave her alone, you devil
vladimir
this is going to be fun
love
its curtains for you, its curtains for you
you might not know it yet
but its curtains for you
you and your kind
it's curtains for you
this time has come
vladimir
meaning?
love thinks the time has come, too

whatever that means

prohibited.
sophia
page 49 of 86
love
meaning we will put an end to your stupidity
meaning the time has come for us to stand together
meaning to say no to you
meaning to say that was enough
meaning to take matters into our own hands
to think our own thoughts
to not let you trick us anymore
to resist
whatever that means

love speaks, ecstatically
with red cheeks
with chained hands
and with, how to put it, with love in her voice
love
with passion!
speaks ecstatically
with passion
and actually means what she says
whatever that means
faith
sir
we've done nothing wrong
why have you brought us here?
I suppose we have some rights
I suppose we have some rights, we are, after all, aristocrats

my name is
and I am an aristocrat
of blue blood like you
we are all of blue blood
I suppose we have some rights
bogomir
you are here because you instigate the people
miss faith, I have information that you were speaking today in the square, to the crowd
she reads by candlelight
faith

prohibited.
sophia
page 50 of 86
after the storm, I took a stroll through the city

it was so nice, the sun shining over the puddles
and the air was trembling
and the river was surging
it was truly beautiful
and I stopped at the square
and there was a crowd speaking about war
sir, the crowd spoke thetime for war has come, for an attack, for bloodshed
sir
and then I spoke, too
I spoke about how its too beautiful to make war
that its too beautiful, you know, that we are all people, aren't we
that we cannot raise a hand against another human being
shes reading a huge book

shes reading a huge book about a kiss
love
you should have thrown an apple at someones head
the rabble
so that they would understand
faith
love, please, come on
in this way, you cannot get anywhere
no
no
you cannot fight violence with violence
no and thats it
because then, you know, then there is no end to it
love
love and all that?
faith
yes, of course
don't mock me!
love
I don't mock you anymore
I gave up
vladimir
this is fun, really fun

prohibited.
sophia
page 51 of 86
one cannot ask for more fun on a wednesday night

yeah, well...
faith
mister ruler
I'm a peaceful person
I believe in reconciliation and I believe in the peaceful way and I don't agree with any sort of
violent communication at all
but look
instigating the people, those are serious charges
the solution lies in unity, the solution lies in the common ground
and if I say that, I am instigating?
bogomir
miss
we live in a difficult, groundbreaking moment
try to understand those things are important
its about freedom
love
how much?
bogomir
excuse me?
love
what is the price of our freedom?
how many gold coins do you want in order to let us go?
we are talking about the same freedom, arent we?
faith
love, shut up
shut up
no sir, I cannot understand
no matter how hard I try, I cant
hope
sir, you put us in chains
you sent fifteen catchpoles for us three
bogomir
because you are headstrong
and unpredictable

prohibited.
sophia
page 52 of 86
you were also gathering a crowd against the king today
hope
me?
oh, no sir
the king is not in my plans
love
because hes not important enough
faith
shut up
hope
I'm a teacher
I teach writing and reading and arithmetic
that's my crowd
bogomir
you are instigating!
I listened to you
don't lie to my face
you are under interrogation before the ruler
at least show some respect
hope
with all due respect
minister sir
mister ruler
I did speak
I speak every day
and I spoke today
that you produce hatred instead of bread
that you feed us with hatred instead of
faith
love!
love
love?
hope
no, knowledge!

prohibited.
sophia
page 53 of 86
faith
yeah, well
and bites an apple

yeah, well
doesnt bite an apple
but if she werent in chains, she would definitely bite an apple at this point
hope
I spoke and people listened
minister sir
and mister ruler
with all due respect
but then
then one of your catchpoles came and dragged me away
madam, he said, go away while you are still in one piece
go away so the rabble will not hurt you
and before I could say anything, the troop of catchpoles drove away the crowd with whips
adults and children
as if
as if
love
red is the color of wrath, anger and hatred

my name is
I don't like the world I was born into
in which I gave birth to my three daughters
I'm far from liking it
when I was pregnant with the eldest, I remember thinking about it
what kind of person I am, to bring into a world I don't like, into a world I'm far from liking, what kind of
person I am to bring into this world a small human being
brave or cowardly?
would it be braver to say no, I won't give birth to another human being in this world
or would that be cowardly?
and then
then he approaches again
approaches me, the fornicator, circling around me
looking at me
and circling
and I'm not looking at him any more
I'm looking at the floor, waiting
smile, smile

prohibited.
sophia
page 54 of 86
its neither cowardly nor brave, my world is not this world

and I'm looking at the floor
and waiting
bogomir
so you're not denying it?
love, hope and faith are not denying it
bogomir
so you're not repenting?
love, hope and faith are not repenting
bogomir
so you admit it?
love
admit what?
vladimir
that you are threatening the security of our state
hope
of the state, excuse me
could you explain the meaning of the state
state as in you and your two ministers?
pardon me
you, your two ministers, the catchpoles and the messengers
explain the state
bogomir
milord, don't try to communicate with them
its below your dignity
these are wrongdoers
ungodly creatures
traitors
love
so many compliments, by jove
thank you, minister sir
that was the nicest thing I've heard in a while
anything else out of your mouth would be an insult

prohibited.
sophia
page 55 of 86
no, no
shut up!
hope
what do you want from us?
love
first to bed, then to the cross
shut up!
faith
shut up!
vladimir
lovely lady, that suggestion is not bad at all
at least the first part
I have to say I'm very tempted
to claim the opposite would be a lie
bogomir
you are here to explain why you're instigating the people
only an interrogation, at first
love
and then?
vladimir
it all depends on how well we get along
I truly hope we will get along well
we are, after all, civilised people, aren't we?
faith
I really don't get it
the three of us are a security threat?
bogomir
of course
you take matters into your own hands, bypassing us, bypassing the ruler, bypassing the state
hope
I apologize
but you still havent explained the notion of state
because I, too, excuse me, but I don't understand this

prohibited.
sophia
page 56 of 86
bypassing you, yes, of course, what else, its our intention

but bypassing the state?
explain state to me, then we can talk
and then it flies towards her

flies directly at her face
bogomirs hand
first the left cheek
then the right cheek
blood drips from her nose
faith cries out
bogomir
milord, how shall we continue?
vladimir
are you prepared to cooperate?
love
does this mean I need to suck you up?

bogomir
such vulgarity!
such a lack of basic female decency
disgusting
truly disgusting
milord, I don't know if its worth proceeding any further
vladimir
are you offering it?
soft as the devil

the mighty ruler
with softness in his eyes
softness in his body
like the devil
circles around her
looking at her
and is still looking at her
and doesnt stop looking at her

prohibited.
sophia
page 57 of 86
circles around her for so long

soft as the devil
with all the softness the devil can possess
until she looks at the floor
love
I was just asking
and then he grins, the devil

mighty ruler
grins
and looks at me
vladimir
you will suck it up this way or another
now I just want to know whether you will cooperate or not
hope
cooperation means what?
vladimir
I hear people listen to you
hope
not enough
vladimir pretended like he didnt hear that

bogomir's hand shook again
his hand shook, but only slightly
he didnt raise it again
no one feels pain
pain
hope
cooperation means what?
vladimir
to explain to the people some false truths that have been circulating in this past period
hope
explain what in particular?
bogomir
that we collect more taxes

prohibited.
sophia
page 58 of 86
this is a blatant false truth
hope
sir, people are starving to death, literally
you know, they drive them in carts past our house, the dead bodies
more every day
while you, excuse me, but you only want more
you want more taxes to pay for more catchpoles to collect more taxes
to do what, sir?
build another palace?
win another war?
vladimir
miss, I bow to your enthusiasm
your selflessness
but there are things that unfortunately
unfortunately
your pretty head cannot understand
love
this
no!
love
this
I said no!
faith
shut up!
love
this has passed just about every limit
you swine
what language are you speaking?
what are you saying?
that we should go
you stinking bastard
that we should go to the people and tell them the opposite of what we have been telling them
up till now?
tell them to lay down beside you, because its their duty?
to pay taxes and drop dead in silence we should tell them that all your wars are absolutely
necessary

prohibited.
sophia
page 59 of 86
you piece of shit

you stinking piece of shit
do what you want
he will, he will do what he wants

my sweet
love
do what you want, it will not happen
not ever!
bogomir
milord
this is taking too long, we have no time
they will not say yes
vladimir
then, the standard procedure
maybe they will change their minds
little doves
no!
no!
bogomir
to the brothel with them?
vladimir
yes, to teach them something useful
the mighty vladimir turns on his heel

turns on his heel and looks at me
looks at me as if he had something to add
as if to add that if their mother could not
teach them something useful, if their mother could not
looks at me like that, as if to say something like that
but doesnt say anything
I dont say anything either
I only look at him when he approaches
soft as the devil
steps behind my back
and strokes my hand with two fingers
from the shoulder to the elbow
softly as the devil

prohibited.
sophia
page 60 of 86
I say nothing
he says nothing
even minister bogomir says nothing
even faith
even hope
even love
faith, hope and love are in no position to say anything
faith, hope and love are in a brothel
men are sweating on top of them, taking turns
in line with the rules of behaviour
dignity
and order
first bogomir sweats
and sweats
for as long as he can
sweats, because it has to be done
sweats, because its the right thing to do
sweats, because there must be order
and then
then his catchpoles sweat
one
two
three
four
five
and then love, hope and faith stop counting
and then even I stop counting
like Ive stopped counting the birth pangs
I counted the first
and then the second
and then maybe ten more
but then, then you simply stop counting and wait until it passes
the catchpoles are sweating
sweating on top of faith
sweating on top of hope
sweating on top of love
and sweating
and sweating
the darkness has swallowed the royal city
only a single light, only a single candle
flickers
flickers
flickers
and then goes out

prohibited.
sophia
page 61 of 86
and then the dawn breaks
branimir
my lord
news, news
vladimir
good it seems
branimir
very good
the northerners are going to support our
ehm
struggle for
vladimir
freedom, truth, justice
now, I would like to tell you a story

I would like to tell a story about faith or hope or love
how it was when they were still little girls
but I can't
I can't talk about that any more
love, hope and faith are now lying on some cold floor
blood drying on their bodies
drying already
now I cannot talk about their childhood any more
branimir
right
vladimir
and the cost?
branimir
nothing
except this wedding
not too great an expense
vladimir
how much?
branimir
a few thousand gold coins, four, to be exact

prohibited.
sophia
page 62 of 86
the blood on their bodies is already drying

already coagulating
vladimir
have you seen her this time?
branimir
my lord, I have
and I have to say...
vladimir
yes?
branimir
as pretty as a star, truly
make a wish
exuberant and soft

a man would want to...
well, let us forget about that, sheshes your future wife
she will already be brought by tomorrow, we must prepare for the ceremony
however, the ritual must be carried out their way, of course
I dont know how
vladimir
bogomir?
branimir
yes, that
Im afraid their practices are, as I said, more contemporary
vladimir
ah, leave it be, minister
nothing but hocus-pocus
it doesnt matter
what matters is that shes pretty
branimir
well, sir
that I can guarantee with my life

prohibited.
sophia
page 63 of 86
vladimir
go now, prepare what is needed
I shall handle bogomir
branimir goes
backs away
bowing
with a smile on his face
reaching from the left ear to the right one, the smile
there will be a ceremony!
far far away
many many years ago
into the royal halls of the mighty ruler vladimir
enters minister bogomir
almost bumping into branimirs behind, almost
bogomirs genitals almost bump into branimirs behind
this doesnt happen, however, because branimir is quick enough to turn around and greet him
sturdily
cultivatedly
and leaves the hall
bogomir
my king and ruler
you wished?
vladimir
the news is good
the ceremony will already take place tomorrow
we can strike now
bogomir
the ceremony?
vladimir
yes, branimir is already taking care of it
the attack should take place immediately, so people can see this is real
its of key importance now
bogomir
yes, milord
I shall fix all the necessary matters
I only want to know what this ceremony is all about
if you care to explain
I meant

prohibited.
sophia
page 64 of 86
I am sorry
but it seems this should fall under my jurisdiction
I mean
you know
I can see why minister branimir is taking care of it
if you know what I mean here
vladimir
dear minister
why?
because you are irreplaceable in some other matters
bogomir shines
shines like a star
bogomir
yes, of course
of course
how could I be so
vladimir
stupid?
bogomir
I was going to say meticulous
of course
but still
the gods?
vladimir
we have had a long and heated discussion about that
but finally they gave up
we accept their gods and in retribution, we pay them a minimal fee
bogomir
uh-huh
so thats it
I didnt expect that
vladimir
only four thousand gold coins
bogomir

prohibited.
sophia
page 65 of 86
but, my lord and ruler

to take on the northern gods?
their so-called contemporary practices?
vladimir
minister sir
in the name of greater cause
explain greater cause
vladimir
just between us
and I ask you to keep it between us
the state treasury is to pay five thousand gold coins for the northerners
five thousand
between you and me, minister bogomir
bogomir
uh-huh
and you say the northerners only get four thousand?
vladimir
right, bogomir
the treasury pays five, the northerners get four
between you and me, just to be clear
bogomir
my master
and the northerners will be our allies?
so we must sacrifice
sacrifice in the name of greater cause
explain greater cause
vladimir
freedom, justice, truth
minister sir
we are discussing the same freedom, arent we?

a thousand gold coins is the price of my freedom
we are discussing the same freedom?
bogomir

prohibited.
sophia
page 66 of 86
right, of course
only four thousand, you say?
well, I have to say, respect
respect
this is in fact one of the better deals
respect, really
bows to the greater cause

saintly
vladimir
so we have a deal
bogomir
consider the first barbarian dead by our soldiers weapons
vladimir
its settled, then
minister bogomir backs away towards the exit

backs away, bowing
saintly
vladimir approaches me
hard
quick
before I manage to draw a breath, hes already grabbing me
bogomir
milord
another detail
vladimir
well, what is it, you insect?
bogomir
out internal enemy
vladimir
have they softened yet?
bogomir
they are very very soft, milord
I have to say that

prohibited.
sophia
page 67 of 86
vladimir
uh-huh
what do you suggest?
the heat is unbearable

the blood on their naked bodies has dried
has coagulated
the air doesnt tremble
the air stands still
as if it werent breathing
bogomir
I feel, milord, we must be wise
the situation is still hazardous
the sluts are
soft, I must say, but dangerous nonetheless
still
although we could
well, you know
we could turn the matter to our advantage
no
vladimir
oh, you louse
you have no problem with diplomacy
bring them in
then
then he approaches me again
the fornicator maximus
sir, I say, sir, if you please, I say to him
I dont think he hears me
hes just looking at me
looking at my lips
looking at my neck
looking at my hands
looking at my breast
looking at my belly
looking at my thighs
sir, if you please
then he looks into my eyes
doesnt hear me

prohibited.
sophia
page 68 of 86
looks into my eyes and smiles

softly
as the devil
and then presses his lips against my cheek
presses his lips against my cheek
and whispers
you are beautiful
the godmother swings her big ass in front of the fireplace, the godfather is looking at her, looking at
her and drooling, noticeably drooling, drooling so bad that the saliva is running across his chin, while
the godmother swings her big ass, left right, left right, the ass is shaking, how its shaking, the milk
pails shake, the godfather cant help himself, he steps towards the godmother, lifts her skirt, grabs her
milk pails and fucks her from behind, the godmother is uttering high-pitched, slutty sounds
I almost feel pleasant
I almost feel pleasant hearing his breath from up close
so close
I almost feel pleasant feeling his chin against my cheek
I almost ask for more
I dont ask for more
I say no
but its as if he doesnt hear me
he doesnt hear me
bogomir
there
the sluts are here
he doesnt look at them

vladimir
hes still breathing right next to my breath
I am breathing right next to his
I breathe next to his breath, while hope, faith and love come in
hope, faith and love come in
red is the color of love
vladimir
greetings, young girls
red is the color of courage and passion
vladimir
I hear you did well

prohibited.
sophia
page 69 of 86
love
we have, thank you, milord
unfortunately we had no pleasure of your company
vladimir
you didnt ask
love
oh, our lord and master
you didnt say
next time...
vladimir
respected young girls
one has to earn my company
but you have not tried hard enough
I'd love to plough your field
oh, how nicely I've put it
bogomir
a picturesque metaphor, truly
but now its too late
their field has been ploughed over and over
and he is laughing
laughing at his wittiness
minister bogomir feels a sense of humour to be essential
minister bogomir is proud when he has a sense of humour
therefore he is laughing
hope
what are you going to do with us now?
faith stands there in the corner, as if unable to speak

faith cannot speak any more
I gave birth to faith in wintertime
she was such a tender
tender and chattering
blossom
bogomir
again, it depends on you
if you are willing to cooperate...

prohibited.
sophia
page 70 of 86
hope
with the state?
bogomir
right, with the state
hope
first explain state
and then it flies towards her

once
and again
a drop of blood from the nose
and already it dries
hope
you will have to explain state
is it the thing that was screwing me all night long?
and then another one hits her
love
that thing was a pretty poor part of the state
hits her
and love laughs
laughs in tears and cries in laughter
and then
love
if that was the state, we are severely fucked
hits her
hope looks at me
I look at her
I shout: no!
hope smiles at me
love
if that was the state...
hits her again

faith trembles

prohibited.
sophia
page 71 of 86
faith cannot speak

vladimir nods at bogomir
bogomir nods at the catchpoles
the catchpoles grab hold of hope
strip her
bare
so I can see the blood has coagulated
my name is
and I am an aristocrat
the catchpoles beat hope up
striking her bare body with whips
her young body
the flesh is ripping while blood squirts
hope screams in crying
hope cries in screaming
and they keep beating her
one, two, three, four, five of them with whips
the body twists
the flesh rips, the blood squirts
and then the five get tired
the body is lying there completely still
I gave birth to her amidst the smell of acacias
bogomir
fucked, fucked
pardon me, milord
for the vulgarity
minister bogomir laughs

minister bogomir has rediscovered his sense of humour
bogomir
miss, what shall it be
how will you vote
if this were a partisan movie, hope would have spat at him now
but this is not a partisan movie
its a fairytale
taking place many many years ago
and far far away
hope doesnt spit at him
hope has no more strength to spit
hope doesnt say anything, doesnt do anything

prohibited.
sophia
page 72 of 86
bogomir
are you going to say something?
have you changed your mind about cooperating?
bogomir laughs, because he has a sense of humour

and then
then he takes hold of the whip himself
holds the whip and explains to hope what the state is
then he stops
three drops of sweat slip across his left cheek
vladimir
so, girls
have you decided?
no
I say
please dont
I say
he looks at me
as if he heard
maybe this time he did hear
then he repeats
vladimir
my ladies
are you going to say something?
he didnt hear me
love
I dont think you want to hear
he didnt hear me
love
you dont want to hear
go on, hit us, there is nothing more you can do
hope doesnt say anything, she cannot speak anymore

faith doesnt say anything, she has been unable to speak for a while now
I am trying, believe me, I am really trying
I shout at the top of my voice: no!
no!

prohibited.
sophia
page 73 of 86
but he doesnt hear me
bogomir
your wish is my command
and laughs when he hits her

I gave birth to love when it was hot
so hot you could not breathe
as hot as today
the linden tree smelled nice
the linden tree smelled as aromatic as today
I barely squeezed her out, she was huge
and ravenous
bogomir is hitting her
then the catchpoles
and more
and more
and more
and then a red orgy unravels before my eyes
red is the color
bogomir and the catchpoles are sweating in jets, the sweat from their bodies is mixing with blood,
which coagulates immediately
the blood coagulates immediately and there is new blood and it also coagulates
then they take knives
then they cut off faiths breasts
then loves
and last, hopes, hope, who doesnt feel anything anyway
they cut off their breasts, they laugh
because they have a sense of humour
and then
then they rub salt into their wounds
slowly
thoroughly
and then
I hear
I hear love mumble
salt is life
and then I dont follow anymore
cries mingle with laughing and crying
and I dont know anymore who laughs and who cries
and I dont know anymore
and I dont want to know anymore
this world is not my world
my name is

prohibited.
sophia
page 74 of 86
I am of blue blood
I am an aristocrat
doesnt look at the bloody orgy, as if he werent really interested
as if his mighty self is far above
he is looking at me
and you know, his look doesnt say anything
I would like to say the look is full of wisdom
understanding
I would like to say the look is full of love
but his look doesnt say anything to me
hes merely looking at me
and as if
as if hes waiting
as if hes waiting for me to say something
and I am speaking
I am speaking, but he doesnt hear me
cant you hear me, why cant you hear me
merely looking at me
and then again
sir, I am begging you
he looks into my eyes
smiles at me
softly
as the devil
presses his lips on my cheek
presses his lips on my cheek
and whispers
you are beautiful
vladimir
that will do
you are beautiful
bogomir
that will do
vladimir
cut off their heads
bogomir
cut off their heads

prohibited.
sophia
page 75 of 86
a girl is unwrapping a present

expectation in her eyes, her fingers tremble
one fold of paper
another fold
and then
a mirror
how nice, my picture
she exclaims
and attaches the mirror to the wall
vladimir
into the river with them
and be careful that no one sees you
bogomir
consider it done
and then the water takes them away

I am still here
my name is
I am an aristocrat
this world is not my world
my world is different
my name is
I am an aristocrat
I am of blue blood
we are all of blue blood
blue is the color of
blue is the color of wisdom
while the sun is rising
while the cock is crowing
while the dog is barking
while the baby is crying
while the husbands stick is up her ass in half-sleep
while the child eats bread and butter and honey
while shes still reading, even though her eyes are closing
while somebody laughs out loud
the boy of 23 is fixing a rope around his throat
and
whoosh
the sun has risen
bogomir
there, its all settled

prohibited.
sophia
page 76 of 86
blue is the color of wisdom
vladimir
have they found them?
bogomir
they have
right before the dawn, a farmer pulled them out of the water
I sent the messengers immediately
to every house, milord
everybody knows the barbarians have murdered three young girls in cruel fashion
the people named them at once
the river martyrs, they call them
vladimir
river martyrs
picturesque, isnt it?
bogomir
you think so, milord?
vladimir
good idea you had there
bogomir
thank you, milord
vladimir
now shoo
you have a lot of work to do
bogomir
I bow to you, your highness
the city is awakening

a cock jumps a hen
a dog jumps a bitch
a baby grabs a tit
a wife jumps a husband
a child jumps on the wooden horse
the city awakens to another hot sunny day
branimir

prohibited.
sophia
page 77 of 86
its all settled
vladimir
excellent, truly
branimir
there will be a ceremony, as there should be
vladimir
war?
branimir
its coming along as it should
a few casualties on our side, more casualties on their side
since we found the bodies of the martyrs in the river, the nation has stepped together
the barbarians have obviously accomplished what we with our diplomacy were unable to
they tortured them so cruelly that the people are mad with unity
the people are mad

with unity
branimir
those who can, take up weapons, while the others are donating all of their possessions to the
army
the tax policy is no longer problematic
if you allow me to make a joke in spite of the difficult situation
vladimir
excellent, truly
branimir
it will be over quickly
vladimir
the sooner its done, the sooner you can serve as governor in the east
explain state
branimir
I realise that all too well, sir
vladimir
the mob?

prohibited.
sophia
page 78 of 86
branimir
the mob is satisfied
its fighting for freedom, for the future, and that is important
minister bogomir has fixed things as he should
news of the river martyrs has travelled like lightning, as one might say
we are discussing the same freedom, arent we?
vladimir
good, really good
branimir
I have another suggestion, if you will allow me
vladimir
of course
branimir
based on my analysis...
vladimir
minister, is this necessary?
branimir
well, sir, you are right
as always
I suggest we prepare an additional ceremony
vladimir
what now?
branimir
I think the people would be very satisfied if the river martyrs would be proclaimed war heroes
in this war
vladimir laughs
laughs because he thinks its funny
the fornicator maximus laughs
minister branimir, almost a governor, laughs with him
minister branimir laughs because vladimir is laughing
vladimir
why are you laughing?

prohibited.
sophia
page 79 of 86
branimir
I am laughing because
because you are laughing, sir
vladimir
well, get lost now
write a notice, write and send it
and make all the necessary arrangements
branimir
consider it done
branimir bows and retreats, with his head held high

the ruler looks at him, not laughing anymore
doesnt look at me again
I am standing here, right next to him
the mighty ruler
I am standing here and must confess
in spite of everything
in spite of everything
I would like him to look at me
bogomir
milord, everything is going smoothly
vladimir
so I hear
bogomir
will you really crown them as our war heroes?
vladimir
contemporary practices, you know
pretty girls
with pretty heads
hold hands
there are nine
nine pretty heads
holding hands
under a big linden tree
under a big spreading linden tree
under a big spreading 20-year-old linden tree
and dancing

prohibited.
sophia
page 80 of 86
dancing faster and faster

and louder and louder
and dancing until they fall to the ground, rolling with laughter
pretty girls with pretty heads
under a 20-year-old linden tree
bogomir
I have to confess I am rather jealous of that
how to put it
indeed, ingenious
yes, right, ingenious idea
if I may advise you
vladimir
spit it out
bogomir
since we seem to be on this path of
one might say
on this path of contemporary practices, right
I should say
I mean
you know, since we seem to be on this path
then, I think, it would make sense to go all the way
vladimir
no, actually I don't
bogomir
I mean, like this
you know
their mother, the mother of the river martyrs
vladimir
the widow?
bogomir
there
their mother, the respected widow
a highly esteemed person in our country
esteemed among the people as well as the noblemen
a wise aristocrat

prohibited.
sophia
page 81 of 86
vladimir
come on, skip this
what about her?
bogomir
milord, the mother is in mourning
her daughters have given their lives for their fatherland
and her husband before them, although it doesnt matter now
so
her daughters have given their lives for their fatherland
the barbarians tortured them in the most cruel fashion
girls in the prime of their youth
the mother is in mourning
I feel the state must make it up to her
vladimir
make it up to her?
you mean financially?
bogomir
oh, no, no
the widow doesnt need that
no
I mean with honor
vladimir
honor?
how?
bogomir
well, milord
what can be the greatest honor for a woman in this state?
vladimir laughs
laughs like thunder
throws his head up
and laughs like thunder
bogomir laughs as well
now
I have to admit
now I am laughing, too
like thunder
I am laughing like thunder because I have a sense of humour

prohibited.
sophia
page 82 of 86
vladimir
even though sheshes not a virgin?
minister sir, isnt it the will of the gods that the king can only lie with a virgin?
bogomir
milord
you know
contemporary practices
I am laughing because I am to become a queen
vladimir
I am beginning to like these contemporary practices more and more
what if she refuses?
explain state
bogomir
if she refuses?
what do you mean, milord?
and now he looks at me

looks at me again
looks at me again, soft as the devil
vladimir
you know I never force women
I am a king
a mighty ruler
hot sunny day

and then
then
then this
this and nothing more
boy and girl
could be me and you
could be, but maybe not
boy and girl play in a sand-box
build a palace
a mighty sand palace
and then they tear it down
and then they rebuild it
the mighty sand palace
and then

prohibited.
sophia
page 83 of 86
then
then they tear it down
but they rebuild it again
and again
and again
because the girl and the boy
who could be me and you
the girl and the boy only want to build a palace
a mighty sand palace
bogomir
this is precisely why, milord
you are the mighty ruler, while she has nothing left
except her blue blood
vladimir
no
I dont get it any more
but you are entertaining
and if I take her
and thus show the people I favour contemporary practices
bogomir laughs
vladimir
and show how I treasure our heroes who died as martyrs
then
bogomir
right, milord
then our problems will be solved
if you catch
vladimir
I understand
and then
then he approaches me
I say to him I will not
I say to him I will not become his wife
he doesnt hear me
he steps right next to me

prohibited.
sophia
page 84 of 86
I can feel his breath on my cheek

stands right next to me
I will not become your wife
you cannot make me
he doesnt hear me
he rubs his cheek against mine
rubs it again
no
I say
and again
and then
runs his hand through my hair
strokes me
I close my eyes
no
with eyes closed
no
he kisses me
kisses my mouth
gently kisses my mouth
tenderly
softly
as the devil
no
he doesnt hear me
then hes kissing me
more and more
kissing my cheeks and forehead and hair
and kissing my neck
and stroking me
and I tell him no
although
more and more quietly
and less and less
madly
I breathe
with him
bogomir
milord, everything is set
we are only waiting for you now
branimir
hurry, please

prohibited.
sophia
page 85 of 86
a warm summer day

the sun is burning
a smell of cut grass
the air trembles
everything is as it should be
the linden tree smells nice
the people have gathered
to greet two new queens
one from the north
and the other one domestic
me
they will greet their king
escort their war heroes on their final journey
the river martyrs
love
hope
faith
they will escort them on their final journey
as they should
bogomir
dearly beloved
mighty ruler
ministers
we are gathered here to honor the final journey of three young women
the river martyrs
who have
selflessly
given their lives for their fatherland
the enemy has murdered them in the prime of their youth
our gods in heaven
from whom every good gift originates
we are thanking you for our heroes
love, faith and hope
we are thanking you for the selfless souls
who have given their lives for greater causes
and have faithfully followed the call of freedom and justice
even in the midst of pain and suffering
our gods in heaven
we are humbly asking you to give them honor among you
so that we can accept our duties in line with their example
so that we can, in line with their example, fight for our place under the sun

prohibited.
sophia
page 86 of 86
the nation kneels

the nation moves its lips in prayer
the nation believes
love, hope and faith have united the nation on their last journey
and then
then another ceremony starts
I am standing beside the ruler
I am standing beside the ruler before minister bogomir
bogomir puts on a solemn face
a solemn saintly face
he talks about
he talks about love
he talks about hope
he talks about faith
and we both say: I do
many many years ago
far far away
I say: I do
to vladimir
the mighty ruler
many many years ago
I am an aristocrat
far far away
I am of blue blood
my name is
sophia.

prohibited.

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to rtomir and vitomil

above the royal city

in the royal hall, minister bogomir

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the air trembles

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simona semeni 2010, simona.semenic@gmail.com

to set the people at daggers drawn

bogomir stands still for a while

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people are running under the roofs

tide of the putridity from within

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when they get to know the culprit

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the river is surging

on a stone bench in the middle of the royal city

bogomir clasps his hands

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simona semeni 2010, simona.semenic@gmail.com

he thinks too much

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the loyal minister branimir first soldierly greets the ruler

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and nods his head

the ingenious minister bogomir returns a greeting in a spiritual manner

bogomir, minister bogomir, smirks

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people are, so to speak, on the brink of madness

simona semeni 2010, simona.semenic@gmail.com

and meaningfully nods his head

the clouds disperse

minister branimir is forgetting minister bogomir

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the people are peeping from under the roofs

first the children come out into the open

then the mother rushes after them

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with a wooden spoon in her hand

the sun lit up the royal city

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for the gods' sake!

a young woman is holding a newborn baby in her arms

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vladimir looks at me again

minister branimir is trying hard

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let us not stop where there is no path

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offers her face to the sun

a man with a crate of potatoes crosses the square

give us just one potato, sir

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minister sir, this is also unacceptable

squeezes her tit with one hand

while hes saying that

simona semeni 2010, simona.semenic@gmail.com

fornicator maximus smiles

fornicator maximus smiles again

simona semeni 2010, simona.semenic@gmail.com