Jeanine Tesori
Down the Mountain
[VIOLET, spoken]
I came to talk to the Preacher. 

[VIRGIL, spoken]
Nobody talks to him unless they talk to me first. 

[VIOLET, spoken]
You're so young. I need his blessing. 

[VIRGIL, spoken]
Not to worry, ma'am. We'll get you taken care of in a jiffy. 

[YOUNG VI, spoken]
Papa, careful. 

[FATHER]
Easy does it
Hold on, baby, there we are –

[YOUNG VI, spoken]
How far?

[FATHER]
We're halfway down by now
We'll get you taken care of, somehow[VIOLET, spoken]
I have something to show him. 

[VIRGIL, spoken]
Perhaps you could show me first. 

[VIOLET, spoken]
Okay, but only if you take me to him after. Here's what I need. I've written it all down. My name. My one desire. All the Bible verses which must speak for me.[FATHER]
God Almighty, show your mercy
 
God Almighty, please forgive me…
 
 
 
God Almighty, show your mercy
God Almighty, please forgive me…[YOUNG VI, spoken]
There's the river. 

[FATHER]
We can cross it
This might hurt you, be prepared –

[YOUNG VI, spoken]
I'm scared!

[FATHER]
I know, but don't you fret
We'll get you taken care of, yet[VIRGIL, spoken]
My child, we must pray for your spirit. 

[VIOLET, spoken]
Never mind my spirit. 

[VIRGIL, spoken]
All suffering has a purpose. 

[VIOLET, spoken]
Maybe that's true, but it doesn't make it right!

[VIRGIL, spoken]
Kneel with me. Lord, help us to remember that you have a purpose in all things. With me today is – what was your name again, sister? Hey. Hey, you come back here! Call security! We got a scrambler.[FATHER]
Don't you fret…
 
 
 
God forgive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There's the doctor's –
 
There's a light on
Hold on, baby, almost there –
Thank heaven for that moon
We'll get you taken care of soon[VIOLET, spoken]
Hello? Mr. Preacher? Anybody?