'POSEIDON'
Scene
– in Ancient Greece
Chorus: The waters began to surge and the winds began
to howl as Poseidon stepped out of the Mediterranean. The people, unaccustomed
to seeing a god, fled to the temple of Athene and petitioned their goddess.
Athenians: Athene, save us!
(Athene hears her people's request and confronts Poseidon and his
entourage)
Poseidon: I hereby claim the city of Athens for myself.
I plant my triton on this city to declare my ownership. (Poseidon
claims Attica for himself by thrusting his triton into the flat, rocky
top of the Acropolis, causing a spring of seawater to gush forth)
Chorus: Where Poseidon's triton struck the earth, a
spring of water burst forth.
Poseidon: Do you challenge my right of conquest Athene?
(Athene cannot allow such an invasion of her territory. She plants
an olive tree by the spring that immediately takes root and fruits,
demonstrating that she would prefer a peaceful end to this conflict)
Athene: Although I fear for my people, I will not abdicate
my sovereignty over Athens. I plant this olive tree as a symbol of peace
for all those who dwell within my city.
Chorus: The tree immediately grew and bore a bountiful
harvest of olives. But Poseidon scoffed at her peaceful attempts.
Poseidon: Peace? Prepare for battle. Athens will be
mine.
