Excerpt From "The Searchers"
1: (He walks very slowly as though his feet hurt.) Oo. Ah. Oh. That's it! I have had it! My feet are killing me!
(He sits on the log or bench.)

2: (He also sits down. They take their shoes off and rub their feet.) I just wish there were some way to keep the sand out of my shoes.

1: I think I've got the whole desert in here. (He tips his shoes and sand pours out.) How long have we been out here?

2: So long that I've almost forgotten what we're out here searching for?

1: Yeah. Me, too. It sure seemed like a good idea at the time. (Broadly.) "Hey, let's get together for the holidays. We'll have a few laughs. Exchange some gifts."

2: I don't know what's making this trip worse, the sand or our good friend who is always late. Every time we stop at an oasis, he goes into the restroom and stays in there for hours.

1: Maybe he has an upset stomach or something. Some people just don't travel well.

2: Well, he should have seen his doctor. There are pills for motion sickness. And now I hear there's even a little patch you can wear right behind your ear-- (Wise man 3 enters walking backward, dragging a small rug. He shakes the rug once or twice, lays it down just off stage, turns around and enters once again, brushing his hands together.)

1: Well, it's about time.

2: We were about ready to give up on you.

1: How come it always takes you so long in those restrooms? Don't you feel well?

3: Hey, I'm just doing what the sign says.

1: Sign?

2: What sign are you talking about?

3: Well every time we come to an oasis, it says "Clean Restrooms." And if you want to do a real good job, it takes about a half an hour.

1: (1 and 2 shake their heads.) Are you for real? You are giving wise men a bad name.

2: Please say it isn't so! That doesn't mean you're supposed to clean the restrooms. It means that the restrooms are already clean.

3: (Pause.) You're kidding! Whoaaaa! (He hits his forehead.) Well, if we don't have to stop and clean all the restrooms, we'll make much better time.

1: No kidding. (He elbows number 2.)

3: What are you two stopped for?

2: Well, we were waiting for you. And besides that our feet hurt.

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Excerpt From "The Fourth Wise Man"
Artaban: We have been looking for him for years.

Man: Well, today your search is over.

Seig: (Excitedly.) You mean you know where he is?

Man: Yeah, he is out at a place called Calvary.

Artaban: (Weakly.) What is Calvary?

Man: It's the place where they execute criminals. They executed this Jesus you are looking for this morning. He died just about twenty minutes ago.

Artaban: (He slumps into Seigfried's arms.) Oh no!

Man: I'm sorry. Were you family?

Seig: No, just friends. Thank you.

Man: Don't mention it. (He exits.)

Artaban: Why? Why? Why? (He grabs his chest and slumps over. Seigfried grabs hold of him and lowers him to the ground. Seigfried cradles him in his arms.)

Seig: I'll get a doctor.

Artaban: (Very weak.) No, it's too late. (Shaking his head.) Why?

Seig: "Why" what?

Artaban: Why was I not allowed to see the Christ of the God? Why?

Voice: (From offstage.) Artaban!

Artaban: Yes, who is it?

Voice: I am the one you have been searching for.

Artaban: Lord, I had three gifts for you. . . Why was I not allowed to see your face? Why was I not allowed to serve you?

Voice: (Strong and reassuring.) Artaban, I did indeed receive your gifts. You saw my face in everyone you met, and you served them with your gifts. In serving them, you have served me well.

Artaban: When, Lord, when did I see you? When did I serve you?

Voice: I was hungry and you fed me. I was sick and you healed me. I was near death and you saved me. When you did it for the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it for me. Well done, good and faithful servant. Come into my Kingdom that was prepared for you before the beginning of time. (Artaban nods slightly, closes his eyes, and dies. Seigfried gently lays him on the ground and bows his head. The lights fade.)

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