Lyrics adapted by Frank DiGiacomo from the play by S. Ansky.
Based on THE DYBBUK, translation © 1974 by S. Morris Engel,
published by Nash Publishing Corporation, New York.
Before the curtain rises in Act One, the voices of twelve Batlonim are heard meditating aloud. Khannon’s voice rises above them chanting. The scene opens in an ancient synagogue, the Batlonim are praying and conversing. Khannon sits apart studying, close by him is his friend, Hennakh. The Messenger, a mysterious stranger, sits to one side watching Khannon closely.
One of the prayer men tells a humorous story, familiar to the Batlonim.

LYRICS
FIRST BATLON:    
    You have heard the tale
    of Reb Schmelke and his whip?
    A story worth repeating...

(The other Batlonim nod their approval.)

    A poor man and a rich man
    came to him in dispute.
    No one dared to settle it­ —
    the wealthy man was powerful
    and caused all those before him
    to tremble out of fear.
    Reb Schmelke (bless his holy name)
    heard both sides of the case.
    He rendered his decision wisely,
    favoring the poor man.
    The rich man raged and said
    he would not stand by this decision.
    Reb Schmelke (bless his holy name)
    calmly then replied:
    “You will do as I have said;
    if not, I shall resort to my whip!”
    Now the rich man lost control
    and turned upon the Rabbi
    with a shower of abuse.
    So, hearing this, Reb Schmelke
    slowly opened up his table drawer;
    and suddenly­ — what should jump out
    but the Serpent, “Nachash”,
    coiling, coiling ’round the fat neck
    of the wealthy man!
    The rich man cried and shouted:
    “Help me, Rabbi! Oh forgive me!
    I shall do all you command,
    but call away your serpent!”
    “Tell your children and their children
    always to obey the Rabbi
    and to follow all he teaches,
    and to fear his whip!”
    Saying this, Reb Schmelke
    (bless his holy mem’ry)
    called the Serpent off!