Some one--some one! I mean you--you opened it--and you went downstairs. Why? What were you doing while you thought I slept? (ROSA: I did not leave my room.) And she will not lie for me! If you are honest, why does your voice tremble so? You were up, and why? If I miss anything;--do you want to be turned into the streets? (He hears the noise of a window opening.) Who's that? Some fresh enemy? I cannot move but some one's hand is raised against me! Enemies--enemies I cannot strike nor battle with--because I cannot see! (ROSA: I--I am not your enemy!) How do I know? Have I ever looked into your eyes? Ay, if I could look into them at this moment, God knows what I should find. You are not my enemy! Why, then, were you up last night prowling about my house--at midnight--when my son--when Rafael;--Rafael--? Come here! (She comes to him.) Your hand! Was it Rafael? Did Rafael--? No, no, my beautiful boy--with such as you--an ugly, misshapen wench like you! (Pause.) Unless--unless they lied to me! Did not Esther sniff and say that you were white and thin, when we rescued you from pauperdom--when you were threatened with the streets--you thankless vagabond? They knew I would not have had you else! Rafael said that "pretty" was no word for such a face as yours; did he mean that you were beautiful;--did he mean that? Your form--yes, your form! (He passes his hand over her.) Hold still! Do you fear an old blind wreck like me? Ay, you are like a Madonna, damn you! Your face--hold still--your nose-- (he passes his hand over her face) --your brow--your chin;--they lied to me! You are beautiful! It was Rafael!

Sachel Monologue from The Ghetto: A Drama in Four Acts

Rehearse Sachel's monologue