Just Because ~ "The Seventh Seal"

 (The "Just Because" series is an occasional one in which I share the beginning of a literary work that I have found meaningful or special in some way. The full script of The Seventh Seal can be found at http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Seventh-Seal,-The.html .)

THE SEVENTH SEAL

a film by Ingmar Bergman

   The night had brought little relief from the heat, and at dawn a hot gust of wind blows across the colourless sea. The KNIGHT, Antonius Block, lies prostrate on some spruce branches spread over the fine sand. His eyes are wide-open and bloodshot from lack of sleep.
   Nearby, his squire JONS is snoring loudly. He has fallen asleep where he collapsed, at the edge of the forest among the wind-gnarled fir trees. His open mouth gapes towards the dawn, and unearthly sounds come from his throat.
   At the sudden gust of wind the horses stir, stretching their parched muzzles towards the sea. They are as thin and worn as their masters.
   The KNIGHT has risen and waded into the shallow water, where he rinses his sunburned face and blistered lips.

   JONS rolls over to face the forest and the darkness. He moans in his sleep and vigorously scratches the stubbled hair on his head. A scar stretches diagonally across his scalp, as white as lightning against the grime.
   The KNIGHT returns to the beach and falls on his knees. With his eyes closed and brow furrowed, he says his morning prayers. His hands are clenched together and his lips form the words silently. His face is sad and bitter. He opens his eyes and stares directly into the morning sun which wallows up from the misty sea like some bloated, dying fish. The sky is grey and immobile, a dome of lead. A cloud hangs mute and dark over the western horizon. High up, barely visible, a seagull floats on motionless wings. Its cry is weird and restless.
   The KNIGHT'S large grey horse lifts its head and whinnies. Antonius Block turns around.
   Behind him stands a man in black. His face is very pale and he keeps his hands hidden in the wide folds of his cloak.
   KNIGHT: Who are you?
   DEATH: I am Death.
   KNIGHT: Have you come for me?
   DEATH: I have been walking by your side for a long time.
   KNIGHT: That I know.
   DEATH: Are you prepared?
   KNIGHT: My body is frightened, but I am not.
   DEATH: Well, there is no shame in that.
   The KNIGHT has risen to his feet. He shivers. DEATH opens his cloak to place it around the KNIGHT'S shoulders.
   KNIGHT: Wait a moment.
   DEATH: That's what they all say. I grant no reprieves.
   KNIGHT: You play chess, don't you?
   A gleam of interest kindles in DEATH'S eyes.