Junto Al Pasig

Along the Pasig

A Play in One Act by José Rizal

CHARACTERS:
Leonido
Candido
Pascual
Satan
Angel
Children’s Chorus
Devil’s Chorus

The action takes place along the Pasig River, in the town of the same name.
The backdrop should show the river and the bank opposite to that on which are the actors.
The church, houses, cane-fields, and a profusion of banners and other decorations common in the towns of this archipelago should be pictured. It is the hour of dawn, and consequently the lighting of the scene should be subdued.

FIRST SCENE

(Candido, Pascual, and other children. One of them carries flowers; the others have pennants and toys suitable for children.)

Chorus

Pretty Pasig, pretty river,
Wear your best bouquets,
Happy morning, dawning, give her
All our brightest rays.
Clear and cloudless skies above her,
Pink with dawn her cheek,
All who see her now must love her
All who beauty seek. Here the river gives in beauty
Peace of heart and mind,
He the soul beset with duty
Happiness may find.
Candido

What a beautiful morning! The flowers look fresh at dawn!
Listen to the bamboo along the river, and to that little bird singing! Everything is so pretty it makes me feel wonderful.
Don’t you feel it too?
Don’t you feel that everyone is happy because the Virgin is coming by today? [02]

All

No doubt about it!

Pascual

The whole town is excited. The coming of the Virgin has made them so happy that they are dancing around with joy. All the streets are decorated and everyone, young and old, has gone out to watch Her pass buy.

First Boy

That’s true, Pascual. I believe it.
The people cannot wait to hang up pennants and flags.

Second Boy

I am going to give the Virgin this basket of flowers.

First Boy

Let me see! (With contempt) That isn’t much.
At home I have a cage with birds of different colors, you should hear them