Charnworth Books (2) Seamus: Ah what do you know of beauty and technological advances, you've never been out of County Down. James: Well county Down seems to be good enough for you now Seamus. Seamus: There's a whole nother world out there you know James and it's full of wonder. James: Ey and filth and sin, Father Mathews has told me all about it, and he's been to Belfast! Seamus: Well he's probably right as far as Belfast is concerned. James: I may put some crab pots under her lee side, may get some luck. Seamus: Before I met Maisy O'Donnel I travelled the length and breadth of this country you know, and others too. James: That's what Maisy sees in you, a challenge. Seamus: A challenge? James: Ey that's what my Rose says, and she is her sister, it's her calling to keep you in one place. Seamus: And why should she be so driven to do that? James: To save you from eternal damnation of course, travelling only leads you off the path. Seamus: I've never heard such rubbish. James: Maybe but you'll stay in Dundrum bay, I can see that. Seamus: It's funny you know, in all my travels I never saw such a wonder as this. James: I'td be more of a wonder if it was sailing away. Seamus: I just woke up and here she was. All the commotion, all the noise, it just sailed in with the dawn. The captain mistook us for the Isle of Man you know? James: I heard. Seamus: He turned the wrong way and thump, drove her straight into Dundrum Bay. James picks up a stone and skims it across the sea. James: Three! Seamus: Who'd have thought a ship of Iron, and such a huge one at that could float. James: She's not floating, she's sitting on the rocks. James throws another stone, this time with greater care. James: Four! Seamus: She weighs three thousand four hundred and forty three tons you know. James: That's probably why they can't get her off the rocks. Seamus: Eh? James: She's too heavy by half. Seamus: She can sail all the way to New York without stopping to recoal you know. James: Is that far? Seamus: (laughs) A fair way yes. Seamus looks wistfully at the ship then moves around to view it from different angles. Seamus: The biggest ship in the world, The SS Great Britain here on our doorstep. James: Ey, parked right ontop of our fishing bank would you believe? Seamus: Will you leave off fishing for two minutes, how does Rose put up with you. James: (Put out) She puts up with me just fine thank you very much. Seamus: We're witnessing a change in the world you know, See that ship out there, she's driven by a screw propeller you know. He looks up to the sky in wonder then squats down next to Seamus. Seamus: An Iron ship with a screw propeller, the fastest ship afloat by far, such technology it is hard to comprehend. a ship with screw propellers how does that work? I don't know, but it does, it really does work, what a ship, what a marvel of technology. This'll change everything you know, change everything. James: Why has she still got sails? Seamus: Eh? James: There are masts and sails on her, I've seen them. If that boat is so advanced how come she still has sails. Seamus paces around thinking on this whilst James throws more stones at the water. Seamus: In case she runs out of coal I suppose. James: So she is just like a big sailing ship. Seamus: She's nothing like a sailing ship, nothing at all. Look at the size of her, the luxury, have you seen the luxury inside? James: I've seen photos, Father Mathews says that is why she is here, being dashed on the rocks. It's gods punishment for such decadence. Seamus: He just doesn't understand. James: Of course he understands, he's a preacher, he got a letter from the Vatican once you know, I've seen it. Seamus: Your all coming at it the wrong way you are. Seamus picks up a stone and throws it himself. Seamus: This is just the start, It is ships like these that'll be our salvation, our saviour I tell you. James: That's blasphemy. Seamus: No it's not, I've said nothing bad of god. Seamus again squats down next to James. Seamus: Ships this size could shrink the world you know, they can carry us off to far away places. New places, wonderful new worlds. Australia, India, South Africa. Ships like these will take us away from all this, away from all this disease and starvation, away from this land to a new start. No more hunger, no more cold, no more trouble. They'll stop war I tell you, the world will be one. How can they fight a war when the world is on the move? James: And how much did she cost to build? Seamus: I read it in the paper yesterday, One hundred and seventeen thousand two hundred and ninety five pounds. James: You can buy a lot of bread and potatoes for that money, and what have they done with it? Thrown it into the sea that's what. That's not progress Seamus, that's madness. Seamus stands up. If they spent that sort of money where it was needed, why there wouldn't be no starving, or no disease. we could all live quite happily here. Why should we move just cos' no-one cares. I don't want to go anywhere, I don't even want to go to Belfast. Seamus: You have to look at the big picture young James. James: Why should I, I am quite happy with my corner of it. My family have fished these water's for five generations you know, five generations, can you imagine that. And when that big hulk of steel is out of our way we'll keep on fishing, it won't change a thing for us here. Seamus: Progress is inevitable James. James: Progress, I don't see that hulk of steel progressing very far. I'll be quite glad when she's gone, and all this fuss and attention with it. Seamus: It won't disappear you know, you can't unmake technology. James: Then maybe they should think it through a bit more carefully, before wasting all that money. James stands up and shakes his feet dry. James: She may not disappear, but one thing's for sure. James puts his shoes and socks back on. Seamus: And what's that James? James: She'll keep well clear of Dundrum bay in the future! Seamus: I'm sure she will, then we'll be off the map again. James: Ey and back to normal, you'll see Seamus, in a few month's it'll be like this whole thing never happened. You and Maisy and me and Rose, and all the rest, just living like we always have. Seamus: Progress is an unstoppable force you know James? James: Ey and so is Maisy. Come on if we're not back in time for our Sunday dinner the women'll feed it to the goat. Seamus: That dammed animal is better fed than me! James: Well you should spend less time wandering, she's a good cook is Maisy. Seamus: The finest I have ever come across. James: So lets not waste it on the goat. Seamus: You go, I'll catch you up. James: Don't you be taking too long. Seamus gestures him to go. Seamus: I'll be right after you, go on, I'll catch you up. James turns to go. Seamus: I just want one last look at her. James returns to his desk, puts his jacket back on and sits down. Eduardo puts his glasses on and picks up the book, there is the sound of a car driving past. Richard: And did they ever get the Great Britain off the rocks? Eduardo: Eventually. Richard: Let me see. Eduardo gives him the book. Eduardo: So you want to read now eh? Richard: I just want to know what happens to the ship. Eduardo: Well it is all in there. Richard: Did it take them long? Eduardo: Almost a year. Richard: How? How did they do it. Eduardo: It's all in the book Richard, you just have to read it. Richard looks suspiciously at the book. Eduardo: It will not bite, you just open and read, simple. Richard: How long will it take? Eduardo: That is not a big book two hours, maybe three. Richard: Three hours! Eduardo: Sure, why you too busy to spare three hours? Richard: Well I.. Eduardo: How long do you spend watching television every night eh? The shop bell rings Eduardo peers round then smiles back at Richard. Eduardo: Mr Tame, always a pleasure. Eduardo gestures as if to let Mr Tame pass. Eduardo: And how is the fruit and vegetable business this week. Waits for the reply looking interested. Eduardo: Good, good glad to hear it. Eduardo rubs his hands together expectantly. Eduardo: This is Richard, he's a young man that is helping me with the accounts. Eduardo smiles to Richard. Eduardo: Fine, fine I'm glad to say, now Mr Tame what can I do for you today. Eduardo listens with interest, Richard leans forward. Eduardo: How unfortunate, Isn't that bad luck Richard? Richard nod's sympathetically trying not to laugh. Eduardo: The engine just fell out! Eduardo listens sympathetically. Eduardo: And the gearbox...(He shakes his head) My my what a shock. Eduardo listens again. Eduardo: I know, it is terribly unfortunate. Now what can we do for you Mr Tame? Eduardo rubs his hands together. Eduardo: A workshop manual for an Austin Allegro... Now let me see, they are very rare nowadays you know Mr Tame, very rare. He walks around thinking and scratching his chin for a time Eduardo: I don't know, I think, if I have to order it in it will be thirty five pounds. Eduardo nods sympathetically Eduardo: I know, I know it is a very rare book nowadays. Richard have you seen such a manual here? Richard: I..I think I may have. Eduardo: What a stroke of luck, where, where is it. Richard stands up and searches on the desk until he finds it. Richard: Here, I've found it. Eduardo: Bring it here then, come on! Richard brings the book round to Eduardo. Eduardo: "The Austin Allegro Workshop Manual" Eduardo smiles towards Mr Tame. Eduardo: Seeing as we are neighbours I tell you what I can do, Eduardo leans forward beckoning Mr Tame closer and lowers his voice. Eduardo: But you must tell nobody or they will all want such a discount. I'll give it to you for twenty five pounds. Eduardo takes the money and puts it in the cash drawer. Eduardo: No, thank you Mr Tame, thank you. Let me see you out. Eduardo escorts Mr tame to the shop door. Eduardo: Anytime we can be of help Mr Tame Eduardo walks offstage left, there is the ringing of the doorbell, Eduardo returns without the book. Richard: Twenty five pounds for an old workshop manual! Eduardo shrugs Eduardo: Sure, good value eh? Richard: Good Value, (Laughing) twenty five pounds for an old book! Eduardo: Mr Tame is happy and I am happy. Richard: And you can sell old books for that price? Eduardo: Sure, you have just seen it with your own eyes. Richard: If you could keep that sort of trade up all day, why you could make a fortune. Eduardo: I'm an old man Richard, I don't want to make a fortune. Richard: But if you could just increase your customer base you'd.. Eduardo: Customer base? Richard: The people who come into your shop. Eduardo: Oh. Richard: With a larger customer base and a location like this you could increase your turnover substantially. The shop would be viable. Eduardo: As opposed to? Richard: Well it can hardly be a viable business at the moment. Eduardo: Do not worry about my business. Richard: That is why I am here Eduardo, to value your business. Eduardo: Ah yes, The assessor I remember. Richard: I don't know what to put on my report. The financiers will think that I have made it up, "Turnover...Not available. Stock value...Not available. Profit index...Not available." What sort of report is that, they'll think I'm making a joke. Eduardo: I would not worry to much about your report Richard. The shop bell rings Eduardo and Richard follow a tourist around the shop with their eyes, we cannot see him. Eduardo regards the tourist with deep suspicion, whilst Richard looks with interest, they follow him for some time, Eduardo walks around to where the tourist is standing. Eduardo: Just visiting Charnworth Sir? Eduardo waits for reply Eduardo: I see, it was the cameras that give you away. Waits for reply No sir I am afraid we don't sell films. Eduardo follows the man around the shop Or postcards, or fudge, or tea towels. This is a bookshop. Eduardo walks towards the door and stands there looking expectantly at the tourist. Good day sir. Richard: You you just let him go? Eduardo: I don't want that sort in here. Richard: What sort? Eduardo: Chis-its. Richard: Chis-its? Eduardo: Sure, we get thousands of them in summer, they come marauding in here, fingering the books, tearing pages, How much Chis-it, how much chis-this. They don't want to buy books, they never do, unless they pocket a few, which I am sure happens. All they are interested in are cheap trinkets. Richard: Trinkets? Eduardo: You know postcards, fridge magnets, all kipple. Richard: Thousands of them? Eduardo: In summer, sure. You can't park for them. Richard walks around the shop scratching his chin and shaking his head. Richard: Thousands of tourists, coming right in here with money to spend! Eduardo: Not on my books! Richard: Well why not use them? Eduardo: Sorry? Richard: Why not make some money, why not sell a few postcards and fridge magnets? Eduardo: This is a bookshop! Richard does not listen to Eduardo, but wanders around the shop excitedly. Richard: You could put a stand for postcards by the door, then people could see them when they came in, you could put a glass display cabinet here where the desk is and fill it with fridge magnets and plates and little things for people to spend there money on, even fudge. Then you could do a display in the window, with books, so people know this is a bookshop, but maps as well and tourists guides. All manner of things to drain the finances of the modern daytripper. Hell, you could even sell brass rubbing kits! Eduardo: This is a bookshop! Richard: A bit more money wouldn't hurt. Eduardo is looking rather resigned. Eduardo: This is a bookshop, I buy and sell books, that is all. Books, old books, new books, literature, philosophy, travel books, history books, manuals, novels, all kinds of books. look around you, what do you see? Books, this is what I know, this is my life. I have been building this business for forty years, that is what you see on these shelves, years of my life. It will be a sad, sad day when I have to fill my shop with trinkets and cards to make ends meet. Eduardo sits on the edge of the table Eduardo: There has been a bookshop on this site for one hundred and fifty years, can you imagine that four or five generations, all of them reading for pleasure, or for self advancement, every generation leaving something for the next. Forty years of my life have been spent redistributing this resource. I am not prepared at my age to throw it all away to sell fridge magnets. Eduardo begins to pace around the room. Eduardo: I fought against the Fascists who would destroy all this, all this you see around you. They were burning books in the street, great big piles of books. We fought to stop people who would wipe all this out and rewrite history in their own mould. Can you imagine that Richard? History, literature, art, all stemming from the fascists mind. I can't, I just can't. Eduardo walks to the front of the stage. In 1821 Heinrich Heine wrote "Where men burn books, they will burn people also in the end." He was right, he was right in a more terrible way than he could have ever imagined. Intellectual disarmament is only a precursor of what is to come, just as air strikes take out anti aircraft missiles and defensive positions before a main assault. This what is happening again, History being rewritten, the past destroyed or lost in sidelined irrelevance. If no-one cares for the past, we face a very dangerous future. Richard: No-one is burning books in the street. Eduardo: They don't have to. Richard: Technology isn't fascist Eduardo! Eduardo: Technology no maybe, but capitalism, capitalism drives technology yes? Richard: I suppose so! Eduardo: Of course it does, and when you a have just one or two organisations that control a whole culture is that not fascism? Richard: It's not the same. Eduardo: How can it not be the same, it's cultural fascism plain and simple. I for one am not going to be fooled by it. I will not. Richard: So what are you going to do, put up barricades in the streets? Eduardo: Don't be foolish! Richard: What then? Eduardo: I am going to carry on in my own quiet way, just as I have for the last forty years. I am going to sell books and buy books, on whatever people want. Richard: And what of this shop? Eduardo: You need not worry about this shop Richard Evan Jones. Richard: It is my job to worry about your shop. Eduardo: I think I will survive Richard. Richard: I've no Idea what I can put in my report. Richard's phone starts to ring, Richard looks very concerned whilst Eduardo turns his back and pretends not to notice. Richard: I will have to tell them you know? Eduardo: Who? Richard: I'll have to tell Rowe Holding's that this shop isn't viable. Eduardo: I see. The phone continues to ring. Eduardo: Hadn't you better answer it? Richard: I'll go into the office and explain in person, I think it will look better for you if they get more than the cold hard facts. Eduardo: Whatever you think is best. Richard: Sorry. Eduardo: Do not worry about me Richard, I will be fine. Richard: I will do my best. Eduardo: I am sure you will Richard. Richard: I'd better go now. Richard starts to pack his things away. Eduardo: So I shall have a new landlord? Richard: Maybe. Richard starts to disconnect the power lead for his computer Eduardo: Here let me disconnect it, I have rubber soles. Eduardo disconnects the power lead for Richard. Richard: Thank you. Eduardo nods. Eduardo: I am sure you will do your best. Richard: I'll try. Eduardo: I'd like you to call round in a couple of days Richard. Richard: Sure. Eduardo: I mean it, whatever the outcome. Richard smiles. Richard: I will. Eduardo: Promise? Richard: I will come round. Eduardo: See you soon then. The two shake hands. Richard: OK you take care Eduardo. Richard walks to leave the shop Eduardo: Good Luck! Richard stops and nods to Eduardo then leaves, the shop bell rings. Eduardo lingers for a while then returns to the books on the table. He rummages until he finds the book Evelyn bought earlier, he examines it again smiling then goes out through the back curtain, he returns with an old Dial telephone, trailing a lead, places it on the table and dials. Eduardo: Gerald it's Eduardo. Waits for reply Eduardo: Fine, fine Gerald, listen Gerald I have a book that I think you'll be very interested in. Eduardo holds the book up and examines it in the light. Yes, yes it is. Eduardo: Listen Gerald I think it is best if I show you, I can bring it down tomorrow. Waits for reply. Yes. Eduardo: Good, no that's fine Gerald, Eleven O'clock tomorrow, I'll see you then Lights down Lights up. The scene is the same but the phone has gone. Eduardo Is seated behind his desk reading the New Scientist, The shop bell rings and he looks up. Richard enters and Eduardo Rises to greet him. Richard: Hello Eduardo. Eduardo: Richard hello. Richard walk around the shop looking exasperated for a time, he holds out his hands. Eduardo: How have you been? Richard: (Smiles at Eduardo) You're the new owner aren't you! Eduardo shrugs Eduardo: I think I left it long enough to own my own shop. Richard: Well done. Eduardo: Thank you. Richard: (Looking stunned) How, how did you do it. Eduardo: I gave Rowe Holdings a call, made them an offer. Richard: You got it for button's! Eduardo: You said yourself it wasn't worth anything as a business! Richard: And that is what I told them. Richard wanders around the shop, then stops and looks to Eduardo. Richard: You had this planned from the start Eduardo! Eduardo: (Shrugs) Me! Richard: From the moment I walked into this shop you knew what you were doing. Eduardo: Not all of it, you have to trust in fate a bit. Richard: Fate! You knew exactly what I'd write in my report! Eduardo: I knew you would do your job, you are an honest boy I can see that. Richard: An honest boy? Eduardo: Sure, it is written all over your face. Richard: You got it anyway. Eduardo: I did. Richard: Well done. Eduardo: Thank you. Richard: Your own shop, no-one can evict you now. Eduardo: Now I can get on with business as usual. Richard: Where did you get the money, the file says you paid cash? Eduardo: Cash is the best way for me. Richard: But where did you get it all from? Eduardo: I sold a book! Richard: One book? Eduardo: Yes one book, that is what I do remember, I sell books. Richard: What sort of book? Eduardo: A childrens book. Richard: A children's book, you sell one childrens book and you can buy the shop? Eduardo: It was an old rare childrens book. Richard: You sold one book, a childrens book for a hundred thousand pounds? Eduardo: More or less. Richard wanders around the shop amazed. Richard: Look at all these books, all these rows of books. You must be worth a fortune. Eduardo: Only to those who want to read. Richard: Amazing! Eduardo: How much do you think your computer will be worth in a hundred years? Richard: One hundred grand for a book! Eduardo: You find it hard to believe eh? Richard: Yes. Eduardo: When you have been in business as long as I, you know a books true value. Richard stares at the shelves in awe. Eduardo: I have a present for you. Richard: for Me? Eduardo: Sure, for you. Eduardo goes out of the back curtain and returns with a brown paper bag which he hands to Richard, who walks to the front of the stage and opens it. Richard: Thank you Eduardo. Eduardo: Go ahead read it. Richard: Now? Eduardo: Sure it won't bite. Richard hesitates, Eduardo gestures to him Eduardo: Go ahead, I think you may learn something. Richard: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way. - In short the period was so far like the present period." Lights out.
Go to part: 1 2
Copyright © 1999 Stephen Bellamy |