THE DISPUTED QUESTIONS (QUAESTIONES DISPUTATAE)

by

Matt J. Rossano

Copyright Oct. 2004, Matt Rossano. Inquiries about reproduction, distribution, performance, publishing or any other use of this material should be addressed to Matt Rossano, 51266 George Rd., Independence, LA, 70443, [email protected]

1

Characters Dominicans: Thomas Aquinas Reginald of Piperno Albert the Great Robert Kilwardby Brother Paulo Young Thomas Aquinas

Franciscans: Brother John Peckham Brother Marcos Brother Antonio

Synopsis of Scenes

ACT 1

Scene 1 – March 18, 1277; Reginald writing at desk Scene 2 – Late Winter, 7am, 1270; a meeting room at the University of Paris Scene 3 – Same day, 8am; Brother Paulo’s office at the University of Paris Scene 4 – Same day, 9am; Thomas Aquinas’s cell at the University of Paris

ACT 2 Scene 1 – Same day, 1pm; St Jacques Cathedral at the University of Paris Scene 2 – Same day, 4pm; Thomas’s cell at the University of Paris Scene 3 – Same day, 5pm; Thomas’s cell at the University of Paris Scene 4 – March 18, 1277; Reginald writing at desk

SETTING: Canterbury, England/The University of Paris

TIME: The late 13th Century

2 THE DISPUTED QUESTIONS

ACT 1

SCENE 1

AT RISE: Lights up on Archbishop of Canterbury ROBERT KILWARDBY O.P. reading from a document.

BROTHER ROBERT "On this day of March 18, in the year of our Lord 1277, I, Robert Kilwardby, in my legitimate capacity as archbishop of Canterbury, and in sympathy with the bishop of Paris, having already issued a similar degree, hereby condemn the following propositions arising from the erroneous application of radical Aristotlelianism and its incorrect use in the interpretation of holy scripture, and I forbid on pain of excommunication, the teaching of these propositions whose content is both dangerous to the soul of the believer and injurious to the church as an authoritative guide on matters of faith and salvation…"

(The sound of a large wooden hammer as if a gavel had hit a board. Lights up on REGINALD OF PIPERNO sitting at a desk. A pen and an empty birdcage sit on the desk.)

REGINALD You got your way, didn’t you Robert. You took something beautiful and you made it ugly. You got your way. For now, at least. For now. (REGINALD looks at, then slowly raises the pen from the desk. He begins to write.) I, Reginald of Piperno, take up the pen that he set down, and with his pen I will tell the story of the condemned saint. (Pause, dips the pen and continues.) Born into unsettled times was the eleventh and last child of the proud and powerful Landolfo d’Aquino. A last child he christened – Thomas. It was a time of prosperity and intellectual awakening. It was an age of reason. An age of Aristotle. A unique and tiny window in time when a few brave souls were inspired to think that the world of faith and world of reason could marry. Thomas’s path was set for him early by his renowned mentor, Albert of Saxony; known as Albert the Great.

(Lights up on ALBERT THE GREAT lecturing.)

ALBERT When the ancient traditions of faith are challenged by new modes of thought, two sides will always emerge. There will be those who wish to guard tradition from foreign pollution. And there will be those who seek to unite the two in a grand and wonderful harmony. (Pause) Your path shall be the latter.

REGINALD Thomas was Albert’s prized student and quickly arose as the leader of the Aristotelian movement within the church. The leader among those who took the path of consilience between Aristotle’s pagan wisdom and Christianity’s revelations, rather than conflict. But

3 what Albert never told Thomas was how foreboding and lonely that path could be. (He pauses and stares again at the pen for moment.) And so I take up the pen. His pen. It was with this very pen that he sought to create something beautiful. To seamlessly weave together startling new knowledge with centuries-old faith. To make reason into poetry. To build a ladder of elegant ideas that would reach all the way to God. I was there when he finally succeeded. When he finally found God. But it was not through his pen, but through his pain. (Lights up on a small alter. THOMAS AQUINAS is saying Mass.)

THOMAS Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae … (He breaks down sobbing, falls to his knees, and lets out a painful cry) Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa…. (THOMAS collapses on the floor. REGINALD rushes to his aid)

REGINALD Brother Thomas!

THOMAS Reginald…my dear friend.

REGINALD Are you all right?

THOMAS I have seen it all, Reginald. Straw…it is all just straw. Everything I have written…just straw.

REGINALD Straw…what…?

THOMAS It is useless…all my writing. I shall not write again.

REGINALD No…master Thomas. (REGINALD returns to his desk and continues writing.) They will tell you that his mind broke, that he went insane. But I was there and I tell you that he saw the face of God, and when a man finds what he has searched for all his life, he has no need for the pen. (Pause, REGINALD dips the pen and continues). Only a few months after Thomas saw God, God called for Thomas. He was taken from us in his prime, too soon for those who loved him, not soon enough for others. A tragedy they said…eating bad eels, or were they poisoned eels? Did his enemies finally rid themselves of him? These are questions greatly disputed by many. (Pause) All that I have written is straw. What did he mean by that? It too, is a question greatly disputed by many. (Lights up on ROBERT again.)

4 ROBERT …Proposition 12: On the unity of man and the nature of man’s soul to his body. It is hereby held that grave error has been committed in adopting the Aristotelian view that… (Lights up on REGINALD returning to his writing).

THOMAS Straw…it is all straw…

ALBERT No truth can ever be in conflict with God, for God is truth.

REGINALD (Dipping the pen and continuing) It began in the early morning on the day of the quodlibet – the quaestiones disputatae – when a master of the faculty is required face his peers in open defense of his teachings. On that day, seven years ago in the late winter of 1270, it was Thomas’s turn to face the questions – to defend reason against those who saw it as the enemy of faith. (Pause) It began with Brother Robert…and Aristotle…and the soul…

ROBERT I believe there are grave questions of heresy…

ALBERT God does not hide from us. Our eyes may be closed but God is always near.

THOMAS Straw…nothing but straw.

(The sound of a wooden hammer.)

FADE TO BLACK

END SCENE 1

5 ACT 1

SCENE 2

SETTING: University of Paris just before sunrise in the late winter of 1270, seven years earlier. A simple meeting room.

AT RISE: Three Franciscan monks, Brothers John Peckham, Marcos, and Antonio are anxiously waiting.

ANTONIO He’s late. MARCOS Patience, Antonio, he’ll be here. ANTONIO How can you be so sure? He’s a Dominican, you know. MARCOS Even Dominicans keep their word sometimes. JOHN I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Marcos. MARCOS He told me he would be here. I trust him. ANTONIO (sarcastic) Oh well, if he told you…. MARCOS Look, he approached me. I didn’t go looking for him. JOHN It could be a trick…a Dominican trick. MARCOS John, not everything a Dominican does is a trick.

6 ANTONIO John has good reason to mistrust Dominicans, Marcos. MARCOS Not that again. Come on. That’s over. And it doesn’t have anything to do with…. JOHN If I recall correctly Robert was all in favor of Brother Paulo becoming Dean. You know that. Those Dominicans stick together. Everyone knows I was the obvious choice. When Brother Rolf died it was clear. We had always alternated between the orders. After Rolf the next Dean should have been a Franciscan—it should have been me. It was only those scheming black robe hypocrites going behind everyone’s back and over their heads…Albert whining to the Pope and suddenly we have another Dominican as dean – and an outsider at that. Brother Paulo…. ANTONIO He has been a disaster. MARCOS I don’t deny that. JOHN The University of Paris might as well be renamed the University of Aquinas. Paulo was sent here with the express orders to turn this place into a showcase for the great Thomas d’Aquino and all his Aristotelian disciples. We’re being pushed aside. ANTONIO It just isn’t fair. You know that. MARCOS All right. All right. I know. But now there’s a break in their ranks. We’ve got a Dominican who has dared to stand up to Thomas, to question his blind allegiance to Aristotle. Why not be grateful? ANTONIO I would feel better if he was wearing a brown robe instead of black. JOHN Hear hear.

7 MARCOS That’s the beauty of it. Listen, the Bishop has the same misgivings about Aristotle and Thomas as we do. And he doesn’t like one bit having a university in his town that answers not to him but to the King and the Pope. You don’t think it gnaws at him how Thomas and his Dominican pals have become everyone darlings? He would love to tear them down a notch. But he’s a timid man. He won’t start a fight. He’ll have to be pushed into it. Well, we’ll give him a push. JOHN I’ve been meeting with the bishop for two years.

MARCOS And where has it gotten you? JOHN He is very sympathetic. MARCOS Yes. Sympathetic. But he doesn’t do anything. And he never will…he can’t…as long as it’s just a battle between Dominicans and Franciscans. The Bishop knows where the power is. But if a Dominican—a Dominican member of the faculty—one of Thomas’s own brothers and colleagues—challenges him—well, that’s different. I don’t like it any more than you do and I certainly don’t like that sanctimonious prig, Brother Robert, but the fact of the matter is we need him. Without Brother Robert we’re just a bunch of envious Franciscans. With him we’re the defenders of the Church and a force for truth— and not incidentally a powerful ally for the bishop. ANTONIO I don’t trust him. JOHN I don’t either. MARCOS But we have no choice but to take the chance. Think for moment. What if he really does want to challenge Thomas on doctrinal grounds—can you imagine? It’s the chance we’ve been waiting for. JOHN What if….

8 MARCOS John! Please! Don’t let your disappointment about the deanship fog your judgment. JOHN I was not…. MARCOS I know. I know. ANTONIO Marcos, I don’t think….

MARCOS Brothers! Please! Remember—I am on your side. John, do you want to be Dean? JOHN I don’t think…. MARCOS Do you want to be Dean?! JOHN Of course I do. MARCOS And Antonio, do you want to see our brown robes getting the same respect those black robes are getting now? ANTONIO I get respect. MARCOS Oh sure. You teach the first year students. Thomas gets all the real scholars, you know that. When was the last time the university published something you wrote? Any of your Summas circulating about Europe these days? When was the last time one of your lectures was packed with townspeople? Or you got a present from the King? (Antonio is silent.) Right. And what is it—who is it—that is taking all the glory? Who is leading the University—leading the whole Church down a path of dangerous heresy?

9 JOHN I don’t know if I’d call it heresy. MARCOS It’s heresy! Or at least we can make it seem so. Read Thomas. For every time he mentions the name of Jesus he uses the name of Aristotle twice—three times! He has made a religion of intellectualism. Is that what Francis taught? Is that why we became friars? JOHN We’re teachers too, Marcos. MARCOS Right! And so it’s time we did some teaching! And the quod libet is the perfect place to start. If we handle this right, we’ll have the Dominicans split, divided. We’ll leave enough questions about Aristotle to allow the bishop to come in and set things right. Make a few pronouncements. Order some new courses to balance the bias that’s infected the university. The Franciscans will be the new voice of reason and moderation. We will stand for devotion first and foremost to the central teachings of Holy Mother Church, not to some long dead pagan philosopher. We’ll become a force to be reckoned with in the University. JOHN But Brother Robert…. MARCOS Brother Robert is our ally. He doesn’t know it, of course. All he’s worried about are petty little objections to this or that in Aristotle. But he is a man of conscience. He is sincere. That’s his weakness. We can use it. He really does believe that Aristotle is a danger to church doctrine. JOHN Don’t you think that too? MARCOS Heresies come and go. Theologians argue about the impossible. Philosophers argue both sides with equal conviction. And neither of them is particularly known for their piety—or their power. JOHN Why do you care then? If it’s all nonsense, what difference does it make?

10 MARCOS Because Robert is right! I hate to admit it, but he’s right. You can happily argue all day long about causes and form and matter and ontology and who knows what all—and what is forgotten? What gets lost along the way? I’ll tell you what gets lost. God. God gets lost. God is already lost. And Robert knows it. He should have been a Franciscan. He senses what we know. God is found in the simple. Sophistication and intellectualism is another word for atheism. It comes down to that. JOHN Marcos, you’ll never convince the bishop talking like that. MARCOS Exactly! I’ll never convince the bishop. But Brother Robert can. He can talk Thomas’s language. Beat him at his own game. Or at least set up a schism within the great Dominican monolith. Start questioning and then we have our opening. And it has to be a Dominican—a sincere Dominican—who does it. JOHN He’s right, Antonio. ANTONIO I still don’t trust Robert—or any Dominican. JOHN I didn’t say I trusted Robert. I said Marcos was right. ANTONIO Anyway he’s not even here. He’s still late. Maybe he won’t show up. MARCOS He’ll show up. JOHN And when he does? MARCOS We ask him to lead the questions at the quod libet—to be the Inquisitor. JOHN I like your style, Marcos. ANTONIO

11 One Dominican interrogating another – perfect! JOHN But is he up to it? MARCOS Up to it?

JOHN Robert’s a solid academic, but a match for Thomas? He’s no Bonaventura. ANTONIO He lacks confidence. JOHN Who wouldn’t? Only a fool would cross knifes with Thomas in open debate. MARCOS But Robert can be convincing when his passion’s aroused ANTONIO We’ll have to help him. MARCOS Flatter him. ANTONIO What? MARCOS He’s an idealist. Tell him the soul of the Church is at stake. And for God’s sake keep the Franciscans out of the equation. We just want to help him defend the Holy Mother Church from heretical error. JOHN Will he buy that?

MARCOS

12 If we sell it right, he’ll buy it. JOHN Idealists can be very dangerous people. MARCOS I’m counting on it.

(ROBERT knocks on the door of the meeting room and enters.)

ROBERT Ave, Brothers. MARCOS Ave, Brother Robert. ROBERT I’m sorry I am late. Morning prayers went a bit long. JOHN Morning prayers always are a bit long if you ask me. (Polite laughter.) ROBERT Why did you want to see me? MARCOS Brother Robert, I truly believe that there are times in a man’s life when he must make a sacrifice, when he must have the courage to do what needs to be done no matter how unpleasant or even dangerous that may be. I believe our Holy Mother Church is in grave danger and the Holy Spirit has sent you…and only you…to defend our Mother against her enemies. ROBERT I am a weak vessel, but the Holy Spirit is a powerful force. What do you believe I should do?

13 MARCOS Sit down, Brother Robert, and I will tell you.

FADE TO BLACK

END SCENE 2

14 ACT 1

SCENE 3

SETTING: The simple office of Brother Paulo, Abbot of the Dominicans and Dean of Theology, University of Paris.

AT RISE: Brother Paulo is holding a birdcage with an exotic bird. He is speaking to Brother Reginald, Aquinas's most promising student.

PAULO (Holding the birdcage up at REGINALD) Reginald, what is this?

REGINALD A bird.

PAULO No, not a bird. If I remember correctly, this was gift from King Louis himself to your mentor, Brother Thomas. It is a very rare breed…very valuable…I think the King was most generous.

REGINALD Oh, yes indeed. A wonderful gift. It certainly speaks of the king’s high regard for Thomas.

PAULO Do you have any idea why Thomas would want to risk that high regard by rejecting this gift?

REGINALD Reject the gift? I’m afraid I don’t understand.

PAULO I found it amongst the items awaiting transport from the university to the royal court?

REGINALD You mean it is being sent back to the King? But why?

PAULO That is exactly what I’m trying to ascertain, my boy. Apparently Thomas is intent on returning this most gracious gift. Look, there’s a note attached to it from Thomas to the King.

15 REGINALD (Looking at the note and then up at PAULO) I…I can assure you, your grace, I knew nothing about this. I have no idea why Thomas would want to return the King’s gift.

PAULO Reginald, your master is becoming increasingly worrisome to me. I don’t understand his thinking of late. (He sighs and hands the birdcage to REGINALD). Return the bird to Thomas, please. Tell him that…ummm…that it missed the last delivery horse and that there will not be another one for another day or so. And please remind him how important the king’s good will is to our university, especially now given the current…circumstances.

REGINALD (Turning to leave with the cage in hand) Yes, Brother Abbott.

PAULO Oh, and Reginald…

REGINALD Yes?

PAULO Could you also remind him of the dispensation that we offered him? My discussions with him about that have been entirely fruitless. Maybe a plea from his student will touch his heart. It certainly would make matters much simpler for all of us.

REGINALD Yes, Brother Abbott. I’ll mention it to him. (As REGINALD leaves the room he crosses paths with ALBERT THE GREAT, THOMAS’s mentor, and the elder statesmen of the Dominican order. REGINALD recognizes him and stops in his tracks, bowing deeply. ALBERT nods, but is more intrigued by the bird REGINALD is carrying.)

ALBERT That’s a beautiful bird you have there.

REGINALD (A bit in awe) Ahhh…Thank you…

16

PAULO Albert! Thank God you're here.

ALBERT Paulo, my old friend. Look at you. Why you've gotten old. How did that happen?

PAULO Trying to keep up with you -- Albert the Great!

ALBERT How long has it been? Ten years?

PAULO Twelve, In Rome, remember?

ALBERT Twelve years?? I must be old too. But you've done well -- Dean of Theology, University of Paris.

PAULO I'm a glorified secretary. I shuffle papers.

ALBERT And who is our young birdkeeper here?

PAULO Oh, Reginald, this is…

REGINALD I know…Brother Albert…Albert the Great. It is an honor.

ALBERT Ah, the honor is mine. So you are Reginald of Piperno. Thomas has written me about you.

REGINALD He has?

ALBERT Yes, more than once. I won't tell you all the things he said. No sense tempting you with the sin of vanity. REGINALD I'm…I…uh.

17

ALBERT Well, he may have exaggerated your powers of articulation, but no matter, son.

(Albert and Paulo laugh)

PAULO Reginald, tell Brother Thomas that his old teacher is here to see him.

ALBERT No, let’s let it be a surprise. I'll drop in on him later this morning.

REGINALD Yes, Brother Albert.

PAULO Reginald, if you will excuse us now, …and don't forget what I told you to tell Thomas.

REGINALD Yes, Brother Abbot. An honor to meet you Brother Albert…an honor…

ALBERT Yes…now remember a secret for now that I'm here…

REGINALD Oh, right…Thomas will be so pleased to see you. You know I've written everything you have read…I mean…I've read…Brother Thomas is always talking about you…

PAULO (clearing his throat)

REGINALD Yes…I'll just…the bird…I mean the gift. Goodbye, Brother Albert.

PAULO Thank you, Reginald. (REGINALD departs.)

ALBERT The future of the Dominicans seems to be in promising if somewhat unseasoned hands. Thomas does speak highly of him, though.

PAULO Yes, he's a fine boy. Now, Albert we haven't much time.

18 ALBERT Right to business, you are every bit the Dean, Paulo

PAULO I'm sorry, Albert…old habits…

ALBERT No, no, I'm sorry, Paulo. I don't mean to slight the seriousness of the situation here.

PAULO We were expecting you days ago.

ALBERT Weather. Unavoidable delays.

PAULO These are delicate times and…I need your help.

ALBERT I’m here to do what I can. But your letters were long worry and short on specifics. "Thomas is in trouble -- come quick. I'm in trouble -- come quick." Well…you're big boys you can handle your own trouble. But when you said that Aristotle was in trouble…an idea in trouble…that's different. Defeat an idea and who knows how long it will take before it comes back.

PAULO Albert, I need to know what you're hearing from Rome.

ALBERT Well, Rome is always rumbling with one thing or another.

PAULO Don't be coy with me, Albert. You know how hard I have worked here. The Dominicans put their Aristotle project into my hands and I have delivered. I came here with clear objectives: Make Paris the Dominican center for Aristotelian thought. Give Thomas whatever he needs: time, leisure, resources, the best students. Well he's gotten it.

ALBERT And he has repaid you fully. Thomas is the most respected scholar in all Christendom and Paris – the most prestigious university. Kings and dukes throughout all Europe grind their teeth in envy over what King Louis has at his fingertips.

PAULO I’ve been a loyal solider. I’ve done everything that was asked of me.

19 ALBERT Yes. I know…

PAULO You think it didn’t happen without a fight, Albert? Every step of the way…the Franciscans, the secular scholars, and King Louis, all of them made demands…all of them drained blood from me. But it is done!

ALBERT Paulo, we are grateful for your efforts.

PAULO Then I need to know. What is the situation in Rome? Are the rumors I've been hearing true?

ALBERT Rumors? PAULO Albert, I deserve better than to be offered up as a sacrifice to the Franciscans!

ALBERT No one is offering you up as a sacrifice. Did I not come running when you called?

PAULO Yes, of course. Forgive me, Albert. It’s just lately…things have been tense…difficult.

ALBERT Paulo, everyone understands that what goes on here in Paris is crucial. No one is abandoning you. You have been a good and faithful servant. You made Thomas a star.

PAULO Yes, well…after you, of course.

ALBERT Paulo…

PAULO I'm sorry. You don't need my flattery. I'm sounding like Reginald.

ALBERT No go ahead. I don't mind flattery. But all the Dominicans, myself included, understand what's at stake here. Thomas is our champion, deservedly so. His success is our success. Rome sees it that way. So do I. So do we all. His vision is a grand vision. To successfully unite ancient wisdom with Christian faith. To make reason and revelation one.

20

PAULO But the enemies of that vision are growing ever bolder.

ALBERT Yes, and some of those enemies have captured Rome's ear.

PAULO Just as I feared.

ALBERT If it appears that Aristotle’s teachings are too…unwieldy…if there are seen as dangerous…Rome may lose its nerve .

PAULO Lose its nerve?

ALBERT Yes. Paulo. That's why what happens here in Paris is so crucial. If Aristotle cannot survive a challenge here in Paris, with Thomas and the Dominicans in charge, then certainly it cannot last elsewhere.

PAULO My goodness. We’re talking about the very future of Aristotle and the church.

ALBERT No question about it. Paulo were not novices. We know how this game works. Rome doesn’t lead. It follows. Right now owing to Thomas’s success, Rome is cautiously following Aristotle. But if the tide changes. Rome will change with it. And that tide could become a deluge, and we could get swept away with it.

PAULO Albert, I could be in grave danger. Doesn’t anyone realize that?

ALBERT The Franciscans have bitter memories over how things have been handled here in Paris. They will remind Rome of that.

PAULO They’ll want my head.

ALBERT They felt bullied when you were appointed. They never understood the importance of Thomas’s work. It was unfortunate that it had to be that way, but at the time…necessary. They’ve never forgotten.

21

PAULO Or forgiven! I can’t image that they would pass up an opportunity for retribution.

ALBERT Probably not.

PAULO Albert, as you yourself said, I have been a good and faithful servant. I have done everything that you, our order, and Rome have asked of me.

ALBERT That’s the reason I’m here. I want to do everything I can to make sure that the Dominicans are as united as possible on this. If my skills or even just my presence can help achieve that aim then I’m eager to satisfy.

PAULO If only we were entirely united.

ALBERT So the rumors I have heard are true. One of our order has broken ranks.

PAULO Yes, it’s true. The Franciscans are solid as a rock against us. But we have dissention.

ALBERT Who?

PAULO Brother Robert…Robert Kilwardby.

ALBERT Kilwardby? I don’t think I know the man.

PAULO He studied here for a while, but did most of his training in Oxford.

ALBERT I don’t need his pedigree, Paulo. I need his reasons.

PAULO It’s not entirely clear to me. Robert’s a sincere man. Not one inclined to controversy, actually. For a long while he seemed to be avoiding the whole issue, on the fence maybe. But recently he has come out very strongly against Aristotle. He’s made no secret of it.

22 ALBERT So the Bishop knows?

PAULO Oh, I’m sure of that.

ALBERT That will give him the opening he’s been waiting for.

PAULO He’s become much more antagonistic lately; questioning everything little thing we do around here. My sense is that the two of them operating together now.

ALBERT That makes our situation even more precarious. Is Robert angling for something? Do you think the Bishop influenced him somehow?

PAULO Robert never impressed me as the ambitious type. No, I think his turn against Aristotle is more personal. I think it has more to do with…well, how do I put it?…the excesses of rationality.

ALBERT Excesses of rationality? What the devil does that mean?

PAULO I think he sees Aristotle as cold and heartless – a step backwards to a lifeless, pagan view of divinity.

ALBERT Is that so? (Shaking his head) Strange…

PAULO Yes, but it goes even further than that…Robert seems to sense something deeply threatening about all of this. It’s hard to get a grasp on it. (Thoughtful pause.) He seems to view Aristotle as almost … an insidious cancer.

ALBERT A cancer? What do you mean?

PAULO Yes…well…just from some of the comments he’s made…things like ‘Aristotle has no heart,’ ‘Too much Aristotle and you’ll lose your soul,’ Things like that. For him the Philosopher teaches that God is nothing but disinterested thought; and man is nothing but a callous, calculating mind. Aristotle is too…cold and analytical…the wonder of God and

23 the mystery of the soul are lost somehow, and along with it our compassion…our very humanity…all sacrificed to Aristotle’s uncompromising logic.

ALBERT That’s utter nonsense! All he need do is spend some time with Thomas to know that Aristotle does not whither a man’s heart or smother his compassion. My goodness, Thomas is one of the most gentle, most compassionate men I have every known. Paulo you know that. Why can’t Robert see it? (There is an uncomfortable pause.)

PAULO Normally, Albert I would agree with you. But, lately…

ALBERT What?

PAULO Well…this brings us to another topic on which I need your help.

ALBERT Thomas?

PAULO Yes, I’m afraid so. Albert, he has not been himself lately…

ALBERT What do you mean?

PAULO He works himself to exhaustion. He is lecturing and teaching all day long.

ALBERT Thomas loves his work. He always has.

PAULO Late into the night he’s writing – every night. I’m told that he will sometimes have three or four assistants with him in his cell working simultaneously on different articles. It is as if he is under some imminent deadline and he’s frantic to get things completed before he runs out of time. It’s having an effect on him.

ALBERT Yes. His letters. I know.

PAULO And now Brother Robert comes along and is attacking him for his devotion to Aristotle. He calls it a temptation…a heresy even…

24

ALBERT Heresy is a strong word, Paulo.

PAULO I know. But it has been whispered about. And those whisperings have only heightened Thomas’s troubles.

ALBERT Tell me about Thomas’s troubles, Paulo.

PAULO Thomas’s troubles…his…this is very difficult for me…his…I am not certain…but I think…his doubts…

ALBERT We all have doubts, Paulo

PAULO All?

ALBERT All except fools…and perhaps cowards.

PAULO Well, Thomas is no fool.

ALBERT Or coward either. And so he thinks…and so he doubts…and so he prays…and so he is troubled. Good Lord, what do these fools and cowards think we should do – stop thinking to avoid doubts and troubles?

PAULO It would seem so. And then there’s the upcoming quodlibet. Frankly, I’m worried. I’m not confident that Thomas is entirely up to it.

ALBERT Not up to it? Paulo, I trained him. Thomas’s skills are peerless.

PAULO Yes, and again under ordinary circumstances I would agree with you. But…

ALBERT …but these are not ordinary circumstances.

25 PAULO Albert, I have it on reliable authority that Bishop Tempier will be attending the quodlibet this afternoon. Given his current state…if Thomas should stumble badly…the Bishop may have all that he needs to move against us.

ALBERT I see…

PAULO Albert, I have done my very best, but it all seems to be unraveling in front of me and I can’t stop it. I worked very hard to get the faculty to offer Thomas a dispensation from today’s questioning, only to have Thomas scoff at the very notion. If only we could delay this, at least for a while.

ALBERT A dispensation? Oh, no I can’t imagine Thomas would ever agree to that. The Thomas I know is so highly principled…principled to a fault…he would never consider it. No, if it is his turn to face the questions, he’ll march headlong into the fray, regardless of his state.

PAULO That’s what I fear, Albert.

ALBERT No…no I don’t think Thomas’s course can be altered at this point, but maybe…(ALBERT reaches into his pocket and pulls out some papers. He unfolds them and looks at them, contemplating.)…maybe Robert can be swayed…

PAULO I don’t know, Albert, I’ve have spoken with him. His mind seems pretty set.

ALBERT (Continuing to shuffle and stare at the papers) I wonder…if I spoke with him…

PAULO (Motioning to the papers) You have something to show him?

ALBERT (Looking up, stuffing the papers back into his pocket) Oh, no…no. Those are just some notes I was scribbling on my trip here. But…but I do think that if I were to have a word or two with Robert…maybe I could influence him…assuage his fears…possibly buy us some time. Paulo, could you arrange for me to have a few moments with Robert later this morning?

26 PAULO I will see to it. Albert, if you think you can find the right words to persuade Robert, then I will give you all the time with him you want.

ALBERT Yes, I just may have the right words. (Pause, Albert totters momentarily and braces himself against a chair). Paulo, I'm suddenly feeling very tired. (He slumps into the chair).

PAULO Oh goodness, Albert. Are you alright?

ALBERT Oh, yes…fine really. I should have eaten something on the trip here. Hard to keep your strength up as you get older.

PAULO Stay here. Rest.

ALBERT Dear God I must be getting old, I can't even argue with an administrator for few moments without becoming exhausted.

PAULO I'll fetch you something to eat and some wine to drink. I'll be right back.

(Paulo exits)

ALBERT (Nodding off) Oh, Thomas…what have you done now? I'm too old to save you from this one…it seemed only yesterday…

(From offstage the sound of boys' voices: "Dumb ox! Dumb ox! Dumb ox! Thomas d' Aquino is a dumb ox!" A young Thomas enters holding a pile of books. Another book comes flying at him landing at his feet. The chanting continues as Thomas retrieves the book. He kneels, then lays his other books down and rises ready to exit and pursue his tormentors. A younger and more energized Albert rises and stops him.)

ALBERT And where are you off to, my boy. With the mind, with the mind…that's how I taught you to deal with your adversaries. And what would you have done anyway if you had caught them?

27 THOMAS I don't know

ALBERT Dumb ox…is that what they call you? (Embarrassed, THOMAS looks down. He does not answer.) I’ve been called worse.

THOMAS They think I’m stupid! I’m not stupid.

ALBERT Is that why you didn’t answer them?

THOMAS They wouldn’t listen to me anyway. Why should I bother trying to talk to them. They think I’m a dumb ox. They wouldn’t listen to me. No one listens to me!

ALBERT Well, of course not! No one listens to you when you spout off like a whining little boy. (THOMAS turns his back to ALBERT again and takes several deep, snorting breaths. He is fighting mightily to calm down, but finds it very difficult. ALBERT continues.) If you want people to listen to you…if you want them to respect you and value your ideas, then you have to present yourself as a man presents himself, not as spoiled little boy.

THOMAS I’m not a spoiled little boy.

ALBERT No, you’re not. And you never want to give anyone cause to think so. Thomas…a boy teases and screams and whines when he wants others to listen. A man presents himself with dignity and control. And when he does so, others are compelled to listen.

THOMAS (Turning back toward ALBERT)

I’m OK now.

ALBERT If you carry yourself with dignity and authority, others will treat you accordingly. If you present your ideas with dignity and authority, they will earn respect.

THOMAS How do you do that?

28 ALBERT Some of it comes with age, I guess…maturity. You are a boy, now…there is a time to be a boy. But soon that time will pass and you will be in the world of men. There you will need to set aside childish things and present yourself and your ideas as befitting a man.

THOMAS You mean the way you do.

ALBERT Well, I hope you do manage to learn a thing or two from me. (Pause) You’re not dumb are you? And someday I bet people will listen to you. (Pulling THOMAS closer to him by both shoulders.) Thomas, look at me. For what would you like to be remembered? Hmm? Have you ever thought about that? (THOMAS shakes his head.) Do you think if you chased down those boys and battered them with your fists that anyone – a hundred years from now, fifty years from now, or even a year from now – would remember your brave act of vengeance? Do you fancy that along with their Cicero and Augustine, the future generations that plod through this school will read of the great Thomas d’Aquino and his manly exploits of fist and sword? (Embarrassed once again, THOMAS averts his eyes from ALBERT.) It is what we do with the mind that survives the ages…ideas…that’s what lasts…Augustine…Cicero…(motioning to the book)…Aristotle…we read their thoughts…their conclusions…their struggles for the truth. Could you have such a mind? A mind whose thoughts last the ages. A hundred years from now…five hundred years from now…might we still be reading of Thomas d’Aquino and his exploits of thought.

THOMAS

Do you think I’m stupid?

ALBERT Well, I’m not sure. What do you think?

THOMAS No…I don’t know. I don’t think so.

ALBERT Well, let’s test you. Hmm….let me think. Ahh…yes….Aristotle’s four causes, what are they?

THOMAS That’s simple: the material cause, the efficient cause, the formal cause, and the final cause.

ALBERT Uh-huh. And among these which is most central?

29 THOMAS The final cause, of course. The final cause specifies the purpose of a thing. We cannot fully understand something until we know its purpose.

ALBERT And the purpose of Thomas…is he to fight…or is he to think?

THOMAS Well…I don’t know. To think, I suppose.

ALBERT You suppose? Hmmm…let’s us put the question more generally. What is the purpose of man?

THOMAS (Repeating a memorized answer) To know God.

ALBERT Wonderful…that shows that at least you can repeat back what you are told. That’s better than some. Now try to defend that answer. State is as a premise. (ALBERT is requiring THOMAS to engage in a formal argument. THOMAS hesitates, worried that he is about to get into more than he can handle. He takes a deep breath, composes himself and begins.)

THOMAS Proposition: It is said that the purpose of man is to know God.

ALBERT Objection one: God is incomprehensible. It is sinfully arrogant to even entertain the possibility that man might have the rational capacity to know God. Therefore, the purpose of man cannot be to know God.

THOMAS Rep…Reply to objection one: (pause, deep breath) Scripture says that man is made in God’s image. God is…God is rational…He must be…

ALBERT Why must He be rational? God is all powerful. He can be anything He wants. If He wants to be irrational, and therefore unknowable, then He is and man’s faculty of reason is useless for understanding Him.

THOMAS Is that a second objection or am I still replying to objection one?

30 ALBERT (Bemused) Consider it a second objection.

THOMAS Reply to objection two: (thoughtful pause) God’s creation is orderly, not chaotic. Scripture says that God made order out of chaos. Order can be understood through reason. (ALBERT nods approvingly. THOMAS grows evermore confident.) And God is a god of love, not deception. He desires that man understands him.

ALBERT But man’s mind is finite. God is infinite. How can a finite mind even approach the infinite?

THOMAS I answer that God is the culmination and the perfection of all reason. Man’s reasoning is limited, but God calls it forward to ever greater perfection. Closer to Himself.

ALBERT Aristotle, Thomas…the final cause…remember!

THOMAS Yes, that’s right. The final cause. The purpose…that to which all things are directed. God’s perfect reason is the attractive force calling man’s imperfect reason upwards to greater and greater perfection.

ALBERT Then is God the final cause of all things?

THOMAS Well…that was Aristotle’s conception of God. That all the motion of the universe was ultimately directed toward Him. If that is so...then…all that we learn of the universe, through observation, reason, and revelation must point us in some way to greater knowledge of God.

ALBERT What if they conflict? What if reason derives one conclusion and revelation another?

THOMAS (Long thoughtful pause, he’s stumped) I don’t know.

ALBERT (Smiling) Well…I think you have some time to figure that one out. Thomas, congratulations…you have passed your first quodlibet. I conclude that you are not stupid.

31

THOMAS Thank you, Master Albert…Master Albert?

ALBERT Yes.

THOMAS What is quodlibet?

ALBERT Quodlibet. It means question as you please. It is one of the forms of the quaestiones disputatae, the disputed questions. As you advance in your studies you will be required to defend your ideas before a master in the classroom, and eventually if you become a master you will have to defend them in open debate before your peers. You’ll be faced with challenging questions and you’ll be expected to produce well-reasoned, authoritative answers.

THOMAS I see. So as a master are you still tested in this way?

ALBERT Indeed so. In quodlibet we fight with reason and ideas, rather than fists. It is one of the few things where advancing age is an advantage rather than a detriment.

THOMAS Master Albert?

ALBERT Yes, Thomas.

THOMAS If there is a purpose to all things…

ALBERT Yes…

THOMAS Then why am I fat and ugly?

ALBERT Hmmm….Thomas…what does Aristotle say about beauty?

32 THOMAS That…that beauty is found in the proper balance, the proper integration of qualities. That which is well-proportioned in form and serves well its function, that which is moderate to the senses, that which is not too much nor too little – that is what is beautiful.

ALBERT And so bodies, when they are proportioned well and when they fulfill their functions admirably, they are beautiful – correct?

THOMAS Yes.

ALBERT But is beauty only a quality of the body for the Philosopher?

THOMAS No, indeed not. The soul too has a beauty – which is also found when attaining the proper balance of things. When moderation is achieved in one’s manner of living…when one’s actions and habits reflect justice and wisdom…he then has achieved a beauty of the soul.

ALBERT And which of these beauties, Thomas, that of body or that of soul, draws us closer to the divine?

THOMAS That of the soul, of course.

ALBERT Yes, indeed so. The world of boys, Thomas, is a simpler world than that of men. Boys see only the surface of things. They see only the beauty of the body. That’s all they see of you. But those lacking in the beauty of the body are often blessed with great beauty of the soul. But it is up to them to develop that beauty. In the world of men that beauty will be rare and valuable. But the world of men is a tangle of confusions and compromises, he that has the beauty of the soul must guard it dearly, for it so easily slips away. Wisdom, my boy, the wisdom that gives you good judgment—that is the pinnacle of beauty. That’s what we must nurture in you. (ALBERT looks off into the distance and notices that the other students are gathering for a lesson. He points this out to THOMAS.) Look, you must run along. You’re lesson is beginning.

THOMAS I thought my lesson just ended.

ALBERT A different lesson is beginning. Now run along.

33 (THOMAS turns to leave as ALBERT begins walking back to the chair where he was earlier waiting for his carriage. Suddenly THOMAS turn round to ALBERT.)

THOMAS Master Albert.

ALBERT Yes.

THOMAS Thank you for my lesson.

ALBERT God bless, my boy (ALBERT sits back and closes his eyes. PAULO enters with a tray.)

PAULO I 've brought you some wine, bread and cheese.

ALBERT (A bit startled) What? Thomas…? Oh…Paulo. Thank you. Thank you. I suppose I am a bit hungry.

PAULO After you eat you need to rest yourself.

ALBERT No, no. Plenty of time to rest in the grave Paulo. First I must meet with Thomas. And then with Robert. Maybe this old man can still beat some sense into young heads. (ALBERT and PAULO depart. The scene goes dark.)

END ACT 1

SCENE 3

34 ACT 1

SCENE 4

SETTING: Thomas's cell, the same morning

AT RISE: Thomas is praying. Reginald enters carrying the birdcage.

THOMAS Yes

REGINALD Sorry to disturb you Brother Thomas, but…well…

THOMAS …Yes…?

REGINALD Well…the Abbott…he noticed that you had left this. (Raising the birdcage.) He wanted to be sure that it was returned safely to you. (THOMAS takes the cage from REGINALD and gently places a finger inside petting the bird. He smiles slightly as the bird ruffles its feathers and hops about. Then he hands the cage back to REGINALD.)

THOMAS Reginald, I left the bird intentionally with explicit instructions that it was to be returned to his Highness King Louis.

REGINALD Uhh…yes…the Abbott was concerned about that, I think. He wanted me to remind you that this…charming creature was given to you in gratitude by the king. The king is a great admirer of yours… and an important benefactor to the University…and…

THOMAS …yes, yes…and even more importantly, a counterweight to the Bishop who is increasingly suspicious of what we…what I…teach here. I’m quite aware of these things, Reginald.

REGINALD Maybe in this case prudence would dictate…ummm…

THOMAS …hanging on to the bird for a while?

35

REGINALD well…the Abbott wanted me to make the suggestion…

THOMAS Which you have done with great fidelity, my friend. But the bird goes back, nonetheless. I have attached a note explaining, with great reverence and diplomacy, the reasons why I cannot accept the gift. King Louis will not take offence. We have come to share a great affection over the years. As you say, he has great admiration for me—that will soften any potential ill feeling.

REGINALD As you say master. I will report this to the Abbott…However,…(Handing the bird back to THOMAS.) I fear you will have to keep it just a while longer.

THOMAS Oh?

REGINALD It seems that the bird did manage to miss the last delivery horse leaving the University. The next one won’t be off for a day or two. I’m afraid he is yours for the time being.

THOMAS (Taking the bird and placing it on a shelf.) No doubt the Abbott would like to give me every opportunity to reconsider my position on the matter.

REGINALD Yes, I think that was his intent. (Uncomfortable pause)…There was another matter I think he wanted you to reconsider as well.

THOMAS …Oh, yes? Have you become the Abbott’s messenger boy? Wouldn’t it be simpler if he just addressed me in person?

REGINALD My impression was that he had already attempted that, with no success. I believe he was hoping that my pleading might sway you some.

THOMAS Well then, plead on my dear Reginald!

REGINALD Actually this supplication is not entirely second-hand. As with the Abbott, I am bewildered by your insistence on subjecting yourself to the quodlibet. Do you not see what is going on all around you?

36 THOMAS Oh…the quodlibet. Yes, Brother Paulo and I spoke at length about that the other day. So I will tell you the same thing I told him. The disputed questions, most especially the quodlibet, are an essential exercise of any credible academic institution. If Paris truly wishes to call herself a “University” then I am afraid that there is very little to discuss. My position hasn’t change since yesterday. It won’t change tomorrow.

REGINALD Brother Thomas, I as much anyone here…more that anyone here, have nothing but the deepest respect for your commitment to principle. But this has gone beyond an academic matter. It is no longer the honest exchange of ideas that was the original intent of the disputed questions. This is a corrupt exhibition – a trap – that you seem all too content to walk into.

THOMAS Then you object? (THOMAS invites REGINALD into a formal argument.)

REGINALD (Slight hesitation, but then accepts.) Yes, I object.

THOMAS State your premise and your objection.

REGINALD Well, I didn’t mean that…

THOMAS Come now, Reginald. If you want to argue with me than you have to make an argument.

REGINALD As you command. (Gathers himself momentarily.) It has been said, by an authority no less eminent than Brother Thomas d’Aquino himself, that the quaestiones disputatae are an essential exercise of any credible academic institution. Indeed, as Brother Thomas has stated so eloquently in his Summa Scholastica book two, question 12, article 1, and I quote, “a community of scholars must regularly interact with one another, to exchange ideas, to challenge doctrines, and to refine arguments. In doing so, they maintain the sharpness of their intellectual skills and teach their most honorable students the art of logical thinking and lucid expression. Furthermore, by engaging in frequent and rigorous dialogue they collectively draw ever closer to the divine truth. Therefore, let any institution that dare call herself ‘University’ regularly call together her faculty, students, and yea even those from the streets of the gritty polis, as one of their member sets forth in bold defense of a cherished idea, to be laid bare before the furious clutches of those who would seek to unmask its illogic and flawed form. And let this most necessary and essential exercise carry the honorable title of quaestiones disputatae.” Thus, claims

37 Brother Thomas is not the quaestiones disputatae the very essence of University?

THOMAS I make a good argument. You dare to find a flaw?

REGINALD Objection one: Note well how Brother Thomas has made a critical distinction between the activity and the label given to the activity.

THOMAS And what is the activity?

REGINALD The activity is the rigorous exchange of ideas among learned men for the purpose of furthering knowledge and initiating students into the academic life.

THOMAS And the label?

REGINALD The label is but a convenient name we give the activity. The activity is the essence, the label is but a convenience.

THOMAS Elaborate, you’re not being clear!

REGINALD (Pointing to the bird) Take this fine creature over here. Is there any sense in continuing to call it a bird if it no longer sings, lays eggs, ruffles its feather, or flies? If instead it barks, chases cats, and chews bones would we not say that “dog” is a better descriptor? And if then men gather, not to exchange ideas and further knowledge, but instead to promote their own ambitions and settle vendettas under the guise of honorable debate, then do we not profane the label by calling it quaestiones disputatae, just as we make a mockery of the term “bird” when using it to describe what should rightly be called a dog.

THOMAS Answer to objection one: Does the label demand that the action be perfect?

REGINALD Reply to the answer to objection one:…well…elaborate—your objection is vague.

38 THOMAS Vague? All right for your benefit…A student studying mathematics may error in calculation. Because of his error do we say that he was not engaged in mathematics, but instead was engaged in rhetoric? I answer that such a substitution of labels simply because the act was imperfect is absurd and that we readily acknowledge that the actions of men will always be only approximations of what their titles may imply.

REGINALD Reply to the answer to objection one: In the realm of men’s actions perfection is impossible, for men are flawed creatures. Thus, the labels used to describe these actions do not demand perfection of action, but they do demand purity of intent.

THOMAS Purity of intent?

REGINALD Yes. The absurdity you pointed out earlier is only because the student’s intention was to perform mathematics, not rhetoric, since his intention did not change it makes no sense to re-label his action.

THOMAS Not bad, Reginald. You have some promise.

REGINALD But the intentions of those who seek to question you later this day have changed.

THOMAS You’d be wise not to push it, my friend.

REGINALD The constructive exchange of ideas and furthering of knowledge is not among their goals, instead it is the slaying of a giant for their own political ends. By their perverted intentions the essence of the disputed questions has been vitiated. To call it such and to participate in it is to be a party to that perversion.

THOMAS Hmm…A credible retort. But I answer thusly: My intentions, dear Reginald, have not changed. If, as you say, this afternoon’s session is perversion confronting purity, then purity must not run from the conflict, for what chance has it then to right the perversion?

REGINALD Brother Thomas, I implore you…you are busy day and night, lecturing, teaching, praying, writing, late into the night.

39 THOMAS It is my vocation, Reginald…I’m fine…

REGINALD No, no, you do not see what goes on in these halls. I do. The other students do. The humble maid who cleans these rooms sees more of the plotting and scheming that go on around here than you. They talk behind your back. They plan…

THOMAS Reginald your concern for my welfare is admirable, and…appreciated.

REGINALD But unconvincing?

THOMAS I am nowhere near as naïve as you think. I’m fully aware that a small group of malcontented faculty have been petitioning Bishop Tempier to take a hard stand against Aristotelianism and the Brother Robert has recently joined them. I am also fully apprised of the issues they intend to raise today. I know what they are up to Reginald. I even know that they have invited the good Bishop to today’s session. No doubt they will want to put on a good show for him.

REGINALD Then why go through with it? Thomas, the students here all love you and with the exception of Brother Kilwardby and his tiny group, the faculty is entirely behind you. (Building enthusiasm) Your interpretations of Aristotle are brilliant. No one understands his logic and his theories as you do. No one has more elegantly united our theological heritage with the great Philosopher than you. And now more than ever theology needs to move in a more rational direction. Everyone agrees with that. Everyone except those few cynical reactionaries who seek to drive us backwards. The stakes are so high here. All the faculty can see that. That’s the very reason why they offered you a dispensation from the questions.

THOMAS Dispensa…a foolish idea!

REGINALD No…they see what you do not. Your enemies will turn the questions into a sham -- political theater tailored to the Bishop’s appetite. A circus show unfit for this noble University.

THOMAS Reginald, I don’t know whether to be insulted or flattered!

REGINALD Flattered, I always intend to flatter.

40

THOMAS If I’m as brilliant as you say then no manner of posturing or showmanship from Brother Robert and his gang can possibly weaken my arguments. The most important lesson I learned from Brother Albert was to be fearless when it comes to intellectual matters. It is a lesson I intend to pass on to you as well. It takes courage to follow where the mind may lead. I never saw Albert cower in the face of a challenge, nor shall you see me. The disputed questions are for everyone. Albert faced all of his, I shall face all of mine, and you so will you.

REGINALD But Brother Thomas…

THOMAS No, Reginald. Now you have done the Abbott’s biding, but the issue is closed.

REGINALD Well, I suppose I shall have to report to the Abbott that I have failed miserably on this one.

THOMAS You successfully returned the bird…

REGINALD Paltry consolation. (Reginald turns to leave.)

THOMAS Oh, Reginald…!

REGINALD Yes, Brother Thomas.

THOMAS Take this with you and be sure to bring it to St. Jacques this afternoon. (THOMAS retrieves and old, rusty knife from the desk and hands it to REGINALD.)

REGINALD My goodness, Brother Thomas. Are you expecting violence?

THOMAS No, not violence, but I am expecting an argument. This just might come in handy. I’ll see you this afternoon. Go and God bless. (REGINALD departs leaving THOMAS once again alone in his cell. He walks over to the birdcage and gently strokes the bird’s feathers. After a short few moments of peace, Albert enters.)

41

ALBERT Hello, Thomas!

THOMAS Teacher! (They embrace heartily)

THOMAS (cont.) What a wonderful surprise! It's good to see you.

ALBERT Oh, my boy it so good to see you! Together again at long last. The two greatest minds in all of Christendom! Can the room possibly hold us?

THOMAS Ahh, you strain my humility…you are the great one, my friend.

ALBERT False humility, you have surpassed me in every regard, just as I predicted.

THOMAS You look well.

ALBERT I feel old.

THOMAS Nonsense!

ALBERT Oh…here’s a bit of advice from your old master – die young while you have the chance – advancing age is Nature’s rack, nothing but slow torture!

THOMAS If I look half as well at your age, I shall risk becoming elderly -- God willing, of course. So what brings you to Paris? ALBERT Oh…business…pressing matters…highest urgency.

THOMAS A crisis?

ALBERT For our provincial everything’s a crisis. Luckily his latest one brought me to Paris, where

42 an old student of mine just happens to be stirring things up. Thomas, you are my pride. From one end of Europe to the other they talk of nothing but Aquinas and his Aristotelian project. Nobody seems to remember that I’m the one who started it. I tell you if I weren’t your teacher I’d be damn jealous.

THOMAS I follow your example, Albert.

ALBERT Oh, I will gladly take some credit. But you have not just been reploughing your master’s ground all these years. Your thoughts are original, highly original, enough so that I find myself disagreeing with some of them.

THOMAS A sign of my own foolishness, I’m sure.

ALBERT Hardly so! You have pushed Aristotle farther than I ever imagined. The connections you have forged between the Philosopher and Scripture are truly innovative. It is beautiful…elegant. You made a proper Christian of the old pagan.

THOMAS Some say I have gone too far, you know.

ALBERT Ah, there will always be complaints of that nature. Any ambitious project will have naysayers. Did Thomas Christianize Aristotle or did he Aristotelianize Christ? Petty griping!

THOMAS Some of those griping the loudest are right here, in our very order.

ALBERT Yes, I know. I was talking with Brother Paulo about that earlier. That’s one of the reasons why I’m here. Our provincial wants me to help create greater unity among the Dominicans on the Aristotle issue. Also, he wants me to make sure that all of us, especially you, are fully aware of the…larger picture.

THOMAS The larger picture? (Pause) That sounds like something best discussed over a sip of good wine. My manners have escaped me. Let me offer you something. I keep a bit stashed away for rare occasions such as this.

ALBERT Ahh… I did teach you well! A good monk always keeps a bit aside for himself! But…what of the quodlibet later? I wouldn’t want to be responsible for clouding your

43 intellect.

THOMAS (Pouring two small cups) Nothing to excess, old master. I have found in modest doses it actually lubricates my powers of expression.

ALBERT Another lesson successfully imparted from master to student. (They both take a drink)

THOMAS Now, tell me of the larger picture.

ALBERT As I’m sure you are aware our Franciscan cousins have lined up squarely against us on this. They are agitating at the highest levels to have some aspects of Aristotle condemned. They perceive it as a challenge to the Augustinian tradition, of which they have claimed protectorship.

THOMAS They misunderstand. They need to read me more carefully.

ALBERT You ask too much, my friend. Who reads anything carefully these days?

THOMAS I have gone to great lengths to show how Aristotle complements many elements of the Augustinian tradition. The conflicts can be worked out. It is no where near as dire as they contend.

ALBERT No, but it suits their purposes to make it dire. It knocks you down a few pegs in the eyes of Rome while elevating their champion, Bonaventure.

THOMAS Not that again! Bonaventure and I have been friends for years, you know that! For as long as I can remember people on both sides have been trying to play us up as bitter rivals. It’s a silly ploy. It’s frustrating.

ALBERT The world’s a frustrating place. Now, it’s bad enough we have the Franciscans clawing at us, to find that we have dissention in our own order is particularly troubling. Tell me what’s going on with this…ummm…Robert Killerby…what’s his name…this fellow?

44 THOMAS Kilwardby, Robert Kilwardby. Brother Robert, yes…he’s taken up the anti-Aristotelian mantle here at Paris…generated something of a storm in the process.

ALBERT So I hear. Have you spoken with him about it?

THOMAS Yes, more than once. I have tried to reason with him, but it has been useless.

ALBERT Reason with him?

THOMAS Yes, but as I say it has been useless. It’s puzzling really. Robert is a very smart man. He actually has a decent grasp of Aristotle, better than most. He schooled here, you know; has been on the faculty now for some time. He can be overly passionate and even arrogant at times, but deep down I sense that his disagreements with me and Aristotle are honest ones.

ALBERT An honest adversary! Thomas, that’s always the worst kind.

THOMAS Well, it’s true. He’s made no friends around here with his stand. No, Albert, contrary to what people think it’s not ambition or jealousy that drives him, it’s a genuine, though I think misguided, concern for the Church and the truth.

ALBERT You think his motives are honorable?

THOMAS Yes. Why? Do you think otherwise?

ALBERT I’m suspicious…I hear lately he has gotten cozy with Bishop Tempier,

THOMAS Yes…yes, but trust me, it’s the Bishop who is seeking the advantage in that arrangement.

ALBERT Is that right? You know he’s is likely to pay us a visit to today.

THOMAS So I hear.

45

ALBERT I hear he’s on the hunt to condemn Aristotle.

THOMAS I’m sure he’d like to. He’s a rather tepid man. But, if Robert and his friends can make a good case today that may stiffen our good Bishop’s spine a bit.

ALBERT We certainly don’t need that! I for one prefer our bishops to remain limp and docile!

THOMAS I agree, but achieving that end…that’s the difficult thing.

ALBERT Difficult…yes, but as I was speaking with Brother Paulo earlier, he suggested that…

THOMAS Albert…Please don’t tell me that you’re going to side with Brother Paulo and try to get me to forgo today’s quodlibet. I won’t do it!

ALBERT Oh, he did mention that the faculty had offered you some sort of dispensation. I told him no student of mine would ever accept such a sniveling option. He stammered on about it being some sort of honor.

THOMAS I’m afraid Brother Paulo’s strategy for handling this whole affair has been…well…less than inspiring.

ALBERT Well, one should never look to administrators for inspiration. But he has his concerns. The world is complicated place for man in his position. Mostly he’s concerned about you. So am I. (Pause, getting more personal). How you have been, my friend – really?

THOMAS (Incredulously) How could I be any better? I’m famous.

ALBERT You are indeed… But troubled?

THOMAS And who is asking? Is it Albert, my teacher…or Paulo, my concerned Dean -- or the Dominican Provincial, or Rome, who…who is it now that so desperately needs to know Thomas's state.

46

ALBERT Thomas…

THOMAS I'm sorry, Albert.

ALBERT No, no, you have every right to be suspicious. The bishop, the King, the Pope, Paulo -- now this quod libet-- all your so called friends urging you to take the easy way out…be realistic…be politic…don't be a martyr or a hero.

THOMAS And what do you say, my Teacher?

ALBERT I say I'm your friend, Thomas. A friend who's concerned about you -- as a friend. So tell me, what could possibly trouble the most famous man in Europe?

THOMAS (Motioning to the bird) Albert let me show you something.

ALBERT Why it’s lovely. A strange breed. Where did you get it?

THOMAS A gift, from King Louis, in gratitude for some lessons I offered him.

ALBERT Oh, yes. I heard that you had become a favorite of the king. Quite a fine gift.

THOMAS I’m giving it back.

ALBERT Why?

THOMAS Our lessons were on Aristotle. The four causes. Elementary stuff.

ALBERT Yes.

THOMAS He assured me he understood them perfectly. He was especially taken by the notion of

47 the final cause.

ALBERT Of course, the purpose of things. It's the pivotal concept.

THOMAS And one that the king told me he understood quite thoroughly. But then in appreciation for this newfound wisdom, he gives this.

ALBERT What? A beautiful bird.

THOMAS

A caged bird, Albert.

ALBERT Thomas, you can't blame yourself a king's stupidity.

THOMAS Not once did the king bother to think about the purpose of birds. The king loves me, but he does not listen to me.

ALBERT What king is inclined to listen closely to anyone other than himself?

THOMAS It’s not just the king, Albert. It’s the students as well. They listen just long enough to repeat back what I say. There’s a few diligent ones, but most are spoiled and undisciplined – born to wealth and power and looking only to achieve more of it. For them Aristotle’s causes are just a rhetorical flourish they can use to impress rich benefactors. I’m not inspiring them to love wisdom; I’m just providing them the means to service their inflated ambitions.

ALBERT Thomas, I warned you about these things years ago. This is the real world we live in. Sadly, that’s the way it has always been. It’s one of the necessary compromises of a large school.

THOMAS Compromises…yes, well that’s it isn’t it? How far do we go before we compromise away our souls? That’s the real question – right? Compromises…I fear I’ve made some myself. It’s not all their fault, you know…the king…the students…their failings. It’s mine too. (Pause) I don’t push them, Albert. I don’t make demands of them…not the way you did with me…

48 ALBERT Thomas, I doubt that…

THOMAS No, no…it’s true. If nothing else I can at least be honest with you and with myself. I’ve worked so hard to win their respect and their love…now I’m uneasy… What if I do something to lose it? If I force them to listen, the way you did with me…what if it angers them?

ALBERT Afraid they won’t love you? Afraid they might call you a dumb ox!

THOMAS Of course not, Albert we aren’t schoolboys.

ALBERT No, were not. Look, if it angers them then it angers them! Thomas, it’s never easy get people to listen to you, really listen, I mean. Francis had to throw off all his clothes and run about naked before anyone would listen him…and he had a helluva lot more charisma than you! Better looking too, I gather…I wouldn’t try that if I were you.

THOMAS I hadn’t really considered it. I’m not much for grand gestures.

ALBERT Thomas, you ask too much of yourself. And I know you ask far too much of others, especially students. Most of them just want to be told what it is they need to know. It’s a rare student indeed who fully grasps all the implications of what he’s being taught. If I’m as great a teacher as you say, then why haven’t all my students excelled as much as you? There was only one Plato for Socrates, only one Aristotle for Plato…(Pause, softly)…only one Francis for Jesus…you can’t ask for much more, especially these days.

THOMAS These days?

ALBERT Prosperity, my boy. It’s the worst thing for the intellect. Nothing but a great distraction for most people. It’s a strange irony really. Prosperity ought to bring the blessed leisure necessary for improving the soul. Instead, it just ruins us further by fixating our minds on ever more prosperity. One almost longs for famine. (Pause) Thomas, the world is as it is. We do the best we can. If fame and admiration is what fortune has given you, then use it to whatever good advantage you can. It’s all you can do.

49 THOMAS (Resignation, sigh) You’re right as always, Albert. You’ve always had the right answers. (Long pause, then almost muttering to himself) “If all they can do is praise me, then everything that I have said is to no purpose.”

ALBERT What was that?

THOMAS Oh, nothing much. Just something I recall from one of your lectures …a saying from an old philosopher. “If all they can do is praise me, then everything that I have said is to no purpose.”

ALBERT (Finishes his wine) Probably a Cynic!

THOMAS No, a Stoic, I think—if memory serves me. Albert…maybe they don’t really listen to me because I’ve lost my purpose. Maybe it’s the blind leading the blind.

ALBERT Lost your purpose?

THOMAS Albert, I thought I could create something beautiful. I thought with Aristotle I could make all the pieces fit together. I could…(staring down at his hands)…construct an elegant…a perfect harmony of thought…a ladder of ideas that would lead me all the way to God.

ALBERT You think you have failed?

THOMAS I don’t know…I just know I’m lost. It just doesn’t all fit…not as it should have. It isn’t…beautiful…as I thought it would be.

ALBERT Your ideas are beautiful, Thomas. I told you long ago that you had a beauty in your soul far surpassing any student I had ever known, and you have not disappointed me.

THOMAS Yes…the beauty of my soul. I lack the beauty of appearance but I have the beauty of the soul. Do I?

50 ALBERT The poetry. So this is where the poetry comes from?

THOMAS What?

ALBERT You know I received all of them. Read them all. Kept them all to myself, just as you insisted. (ALBERT retrieves the papers from his pocket, unfolds them and hands them to THOMAS.)

THOMAS (Looking down at the papers) What did you think?

ALBERT Adoro devote, latens veritas. Te qui sub his formis vere latitas. I adore you devoutly, O hiding Deity. Who beneath these symbolic signs are truly hidden. To you my heart submits itself entirely, Since to contemplate You is entirely inadequate. (Appreciative pause) They are beautiful. Inspired poetry, from the heart.

THOMAS (Handing the papers back to ALBERT) I’m not sure I would call it poetry. Just…verse, I guess.

ALBERT Verse, yes. Beautiful verse. Beautiful expressions of faith. A heart pouring itself out to God. Touch by His presence…or longing for it. Hard to believe that the same man who writes so sharply and rigorously in his academic work can intone so melodically in another form. I always wondered where it came from. Now, I think I know.

THOMAS Something was missing, Albert…in all the logical proofs and sterile arguments…something about God wasn’t there. The Philosopher has great wisdom. I won’t let anyone contend otherwise…but…something was missing. I thought Aristotle would take me all the way to God. Instead…I’m all alone…I’m lost…empty. (Pause, renewed energy) I thought I was the one, Albert. I thought I was the one who could do it. They would talk about me for hundred years, five hundred years…my ideas. God withheld beauty of the body from me, but I had beauty of the soul. I could do it. I could create something so beautiful with my mind that I would see God Himself shining within it. But…it’s just black and dark. After all the years, all the work. I was missing

51 something. So…I began searching for it in another way. I tried to find it another way.

ALBERT So what is it, Thomas? What’s missing?

THOMAS Albert…do you think reason is enough? Can you find God through reason alone?

ALBERT Thomas…? That’s what you have done, isn’t it? You have pages and pages of logical proofs…proofs of God’s existence.

THOMAS My proofs…yes…are they really all that convincing? Sometimes…sometimes my reason runs along at a pleasant trotting pace, about the speed of my pen. I find it exhilarating. Reason…explaining, elucidating, complementing faith so effortlessly almost…cheerfully.

ALBERT Cheerfully?

THOMAS Yes. It's cheerful…jolly…happy. Reason and faith smiling at each other, like a flower to the sun.

ALBERT But only sometimes…

THOMAS Yes. But at other times reason seems to sneer at faith, thumbing its nose at such ignorance. "You believe that?" it mocks. "Come on. Grow up. Think like a man. Give up such childish foolishness."

ALBERT A man of faith can't also be a man of reason?

THOMAS Can he?

ALBERT He must. We must…else our whole project is doomed.

THOMAS But there's something missing isn't there, Albert? You sense it too. A link bridging the two -- faith, reason, God, Aristotle -- but it's still beyond our grasp. It leaves you cold and empty. Longing for something alive, something with breath, something to stir your heart.

52

ALBERT I don’t understand.

THOMAS Albert, my friend…you have been my mentor…and so has Aristotle. But I know you as as a man…as a father and a teacher. I have walked with you, argued with you, (raising his cup) shared wine and bread with you. You are real. Your existence is not cold, it is warm…it is not of the head it is of the heart. Aristotle is cold. His existence is a fact, a necessary undeniable fact, but he is cold…he is distant. I read of him, but I do not feel him.

ALBERT The devil with Aristotle, Thomas! This isn’t about Aristotle! It’s about God. Is that what happened with God? Has He grown cold? Has he grown distant? Is that what is missing?

THOMAS Yes…It was coldness like death…separated from God…amongst the condemned…the damned…the thought of it began to eat away at my heart.

ALBERT Separated from God?

THOMAS Yes…that’s hell isn’t it! That’s what it was. The icy cold of the condemned. God, Albert it terrifies me.

ALBERT And the poems, Thomas…is God in them and not in the proofs?

THOMAS I don’t know…I just know that I had to try to find Him another way. I was searching for another way…some way out of hell!

ALBERT Adoro devote, latens veritas. Te qui sub his formis vere latitas. Tibi se cor meum totum subicit, Quia te contemplans totum deficit You are truly hidden. To you my heart submits itself entirely, Since to contemplate You is entirely inadequate.

God hides from you Thomas? He hides from your mind. That’s what you’re saying isn’t it?

53 THOMAS He hides from reason…he hides from me…he hid from Aristotle.

ALBERT God does not hide!

THOMAS Then where is He?

ALBERT In all of it Thomas. In your pen, in your heart, in your Summas, in your poetry. Is God found only in one way? All motion in the universe is toward God.

THOMAS And what if they contradict? What if reason says one thing and revelation another? How do we know which is the right path?

ALBERT Sometimes the contradictions aren’t really contradictions…They only show that we are limited. The finite mind of man…

THOMAS …can't hoped to explain the totality of the infinite God. Yes, I know. I spout that same platitude to my students.

ALBERT Maybe it's true. We’re not seeing the total picture. What was it the Apostle said…’Now we see only puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we shall see face to face. My knowledge now is partial, then it will be whole.’ Patience…truth cannot contradict truth…all we can do now is struggle to find God with all the tools he has given us…reason, revelation, observation…(waving the papers) poetry.

THOMAS You have always had the answers for me, haven’t you, Albert. You must be right, still…I can’t stop these doubts…

ALBERT Doubts…Thomas we all have doubts…that’s no sin.

THOMAS No…no sin, but these were doubts I couldn’t so easily refute with another argument…

ALBERT And since you couldn’t put them into a summa, you put them in a poem.

54 THOMAS Yes…yes, I guess so…I guess that’s what I did. But…this is bad time to have doubts isn’t it…and an even worse time to write them down…disguised in verse or not. (Pause) Are they easy to see – the doubts I mean?

ALBERT To the casual reader – no. To the eyes of one who knows you – they are there, if you know how to look…where to look…softly, subtly, in shadows that the word’s cast.…faith and doubt grappling together. But it is no disgrace…this is all part of the journey…the struggle. It is no shame

THOMAS No…no shame, but still…they are personal. They can’t be shown about…too risky. Maybe…maybe sometime later, but not now. But I did want you to see them. I knew you would be honest with me about them.

ALBERT Keep writing your poems. I think they will help. In my honest view they are exquisite. In fact, I think you should reconsider publishing them. I think others would find them inspirational. They might actually help people understand you – and Aristotle – even better.

THOMAS No...no…it’s too dangerous. You understand them because you understand me so well. In the hands of others...they could too easily be misunderstood...misinterpreted. It’s too risky right now. Maybe later. ALBERT When?

THOMAS When the time is right…when the Aristotle issue is more settled.

ALBERT Of course, I understand.

THOMAS Let’s keep it between us, for now at least.

ALBERT Thomas, you are a man of many sides. My, my to think they used to tease you. My dumb ox has done quite well for himself. I’ve always wondered…did that schoolboy teasing ever really bother you? If it did you never showed it. Of course, you never showed much of anything back in those days. You held yourself tight, not a tremble, not a quiver. A useful trait. I think I could have used it a bit more myself over the years.

55 THOMAS That was along time ago. Schoolboys taunt one another…its part of growing up. You know in some ways I miss those days. There was a simplicity, a purity about things. The world of men is a snare of complications and compromises compared to that of boys.

ALBERT Oh, quite true. But such is the world, and we must take it as it is.

THOMAS I suppose so.

ALBERT No false modesty between you and I, Thomas. The moment at hand is too important.

THOMAS False modesty?

ALBERT Thomas, it may be impertinent for me to say this, but I have always regarded you and I together as the greatest minds of our time. God brought us together. Your family never wanted you to be a Dominican. God wanted that…God required it! And I know that until you came along it all was a jumble with me. But you helped me see it clearly. You thought I was teaching you, but you were teaching me. Oh, God was with you, Thomas. He has always been with you. You and I…we are two greatest minds our time. God has seen to that!

THOMAS Albert I can tell when you’re leading up to something. So out with it.

ALBERT False pride is dangerous, but so is dishonesty. We must be honest with ourselves. Thomas, there are moments when the very course of history is being determined and there are men who are charged with the responsibility of setting that course. Deep in my gut I’ve always felt it was true, and I think you know it as well. Thomas, you and I are setting the course of history, for the Church and for the world. I told you years ago that you would be remembered…your thoughts, your ideas…remember for a hundred, five hundred years or more. Well, I think now is the moment when that happens.

THOMAS You believe in great moments, Albert?

ALBERT Yes, unquestionably I do. Great moments and great men that rise to those moments.

56 THOMAS Great men? With all my doubts, how can you be sure I’m one of them.

ALBERT Long ago I put a hand on you and I held you back from chasing after your adversaries. You weren’t ready then. Your mind wasn’t ready. But you’re ready now. You’re ready for this moment.

THOMAS Yes. I remember that.

ALBERT Thomas, you would have scratched and bitten then to win that fight.

THOMAS You told me to fight with the mind…with the mind boy, with the mind…

ALBERT Yes…that’s the way men fight, with their ideas. But…

THOMAS What?

ALBERT Thomas, I have always been honest with you. I have always been teacher, your mentor…you must trust me…I have been struggling with these things longer than you.

THOMAS Yes, Albert…what?

ALBERT Robert is an honest adversary…as I said those are always the worst kind.

THOMAS Yes…?

ALBERT But you can’t let yourself think about his honesty. You must think only about the necessity of defeating him. I’m taking my hand off of you, Thomas…and I’m letting you chase after your enemy – the church’s enemy! You’re ready now. You have the good judgment to know what to do.

THOMAS I see…a necessary compromise, Albert?

57 ALBERT Good judgment. Good judgement to do what is needed…to know what is important.

THOMAS Good judgement, I see…

ALBERT This is the moment, our moment, Thomas – your moment! Thomas, long ago I told you that when new knowledge challenges old faith there are two paths that can be taken. Guard the faith and keep it away from anything new or muster all your courage and bring them together. We are the courageous ones, you and I. We’ve got to show them…you’ve got to show them! Show them what Christianity can be…the culmination of all man’s wisdom! All that man can know and all that God has shown him – together. That’s the right path…that path I set you on and the path you must set our Church on.

THOMAS The right path…?

ALBERT Thomas, are you ready for this?

THOMAS I’ll do what I must, Albert

ALBERT But are you ready? Thomas, sometimes a man's whole life does come down to just one moment. This is that moment. You have to see that.

THOMAS Albert, I’ve never let you down. I won’t now.

ALBERT Yes, good. Then…(picking up the wine bottle) a drink -- to that one great moment and the great men who make it.

THOMAS In vino vertias?

ALBERT To us…to Aristotle…to the quod libet.

THOMAS To the quod libet.

(Albert drinks deeply, Thomas more timidly. Albert notices. Suddenly the lights change. Everyone enters)

58 PAULO I have been a good and loyal servant and I have made this a great University

JOHN They might as well be called the University of Aquinas. It reeks of crass politics, secularism, and atheism.

MARCOS That sanctimonious prig, Robert Kilwardby, will be our ally -- and he will bring down Aquinas and his black-robed devils who leading the church away from our ancient faith.

ROBERT It is an anthema. I condemn! I condemn!

REGINALD Thomas, it's a trap. There's no honest argument here. Only a plot to destroy you, to condemn you.

ALBERT Do not fear reason. Reason is God's greatest gift to man.

ANTONIO There are excesses of reason. There are cancers that eat at our souls. They must be stopped early before they consume us.

PAULO There are powerful forces at work. We must be careful, Thomas. Politics is a dirty, but necessary game we must play.

REGINALD Beware the bishop, Thomas. Beware of Brother Robert. Be careful, watch your step.

ROBERT I am defending God and His Church from dangerous heresy.

JOHN Of course I want to be Dean.

MARCOS Be prepared to fight for it.

ROBERT Holy Mother Church must be defended against you, Thomas

ALBERT Are you ready for your one moment, Thomas…

59

REGINALD Danger, there is danger, Thomas…

THOMAS These are all…these are all…disputed questions…but I say

ALL Thomas…Thomas…Thomas

THOMAS God…where ever you are…help me.

(The sound of a gavel hitting wood. Monks chanting "Adoro te devote…).

FADE TO BLACK

END OF ACT 1

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