Dead Man
Blake Huh?
Nobody It’s not a bad illustration of you, William Blake.
Blake Well, I want you to have it. It’s a present.
Missionary Good morning. May you serve the Lord, and may His Holy Dominion guide you through your dismal life. How can I be of assistance, my poor man? All our ammunition is guaranteed. This latest batch was, in fact, personally blessed by the Archbishop of Detroit. Good morning. May our Lord Jesus Christ wash this earth with His Holy Light, and purge it’s darkest places from heathens and Philistines.
Nobody The vision of Christ that thou dost see, is my vision’s greatest enemy. Do you have tobacco?
Missionary We sure don’t.
Nobody Aren’t those tins of tobacco right there behind you?
Missionary Sure are, but those cans are empty. There’s no tobacco in them. Perhaps I could interest you in some beads, or possibly a blanket.
Nobody Blanket?
Missionary Yes, my fine fellow. Ammunition.
Blake Er, I’d like some tobacco, please.
Missionary Well, I may have, one or two twists left, from my personal supply you understand. For good friends only. Good Lord. You’re William Blake.
Blake Yes, I am.
Missionary By the Grace of the Lord Almighty. Sir, would it be presumptuous of me to ask you for. . . for your autograph? Please, kind sir. It would be a great honour.
Blake Pardon me. There’s my autograph.
Missionary God damn your soul to the fires of hell.
Blake He already has.
Nobody (Speaks in native language)
Blake I’m tired.
Nobody I’ll free the horses. I see you’ve collected some more white man’s metal.
Blake Yes. I seem to be a magnet for it.
Nobody Good day for a canoe ride.
Blake Nobody? Is this the boat. . . that’ll take me across the mirror of water?
Nobody No. This boat’s not strong enough, William Blake. (Chants in native language). William Blake is a legend now, He’s a good friend of mine. (Chants in native language)
Men (Calling in native language).
Nobody (Calling in native language). (Speaks in native language). Stand up William Blake. William Blake. Walk proudly William Blake. That man there? I know him. He’s a great builder of sea canoes. (Speaks in native language).
Elder (Speaks in native language).
Blake Hello.
Nobody I prepared your canoe with cedar boughs. It’s time for you to leave now, William Blake. Time for you to go back to where you came from.
Blake You mean Cleveland?
Nobody Back to the place where all the spirits came from. And where all the spirits return. This world will no longer concern you.
Blake I found some tobacco.
Nobody The tobacco is for your voyage, William Blake.
Blake Nobody. I don’t smoke.
Nobody (Speaks in native language). William Blake.
