Excerpt from Poet Lore, Vol. 47: World Literature and the Drama; Spring 1941 The author, even if a cleric, was well acquainted with the speech of the common people, as can be seen from the numer ous proverbs and the racy language used. He shows himself to be a thorough artist in the adroit characterization with which he manages to individualize his numerous dramatis pers'onae: Pilate, the Jews, the four watchmen, John the Baptist, the cleric, Adam and Eve, and the various craftsmen, as well as Lucifer with his Viceroy Satan and the other devils. The figure of Christ is treated throughout with deep awe, while vice and wickedness appear ludicrous. There is not the least doubt that the general purpose of the play was a high seriousness, culminating in the joyous community sing ing of the triumphal Easter hymn.

Mr. Zucker is responsible for the literal translation and this introduction, while Mr. And Mrs. Russell supply the rhymes and the verve of the text.

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