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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of John the Baptist: A Play, by Hermann Sudermann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: John the Baptist: A Play
+
+Author: Hermann Sudermann
+
+Translator: Beatrice Marshall
+
+Release Date: November 20, 2010 [EBook #34383]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN THE BAPTIST: A PLAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Page Scan Source:
+http://www.archive.org/details/johnbaptistplay00suderich
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            JOHN THE BAPTIST
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            JOHN THE BAPTIST
+
+                                 A PLAY
+
+                          BY HERMANN SUDERMANN
+
+
+
+                             TRANSLATED BY
+                           BEATRICE MARSHALL
+
+
+
+
+
+LONDON
+JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD VIGO STREET W.
+NEW YORK JOHN LANE COMPANY MCMIX
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                 WILLIAM BRENDON AND SON, LTD., PRINTERS, PLYMOUTH
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          PERSONS IN THE PLAY
+
+Herod Antipas.                            _Tetrarch of Galilee_.
+Herodias.
+Salome.                                   _Her daughter_.
+Vitellius.                                _Legate of Syria_.
+Marcellus.                                _His companion_.
+
+Merokles, _the rhetorician_.  \
+Gabalos, _the Syrian_.         >          _At the Court of Herod_.
+Jabad, _the Levite_.          /
+
+John.                                     _Called "The Baptist."_
+
+Josaphat.                    \
+Matthias.                     }
+                               >          _His disciples_.
+Amarja.                       |
+Manassa.                     /
+
+Jael.                                     _Josaphat's wife_.
+Their two Children.
+Hadidja.                                  _Maid in the Palace_.
+
+Miriam.                       \
+Abi.                           >          _Playfellows of Salome_.
+Maecha.                       /
+
+Mesulemeth.                               _A beggar-woman_.
+
+Amasai.                       \
+                               >          _Pharisees_.
+Jorab.                        /
+
+Eliakim.                      \
+Pasur.                         >          _Citizens of Jerusalem_.
+Hachmoni.                     /
+
+Simon.                                    _The Galilean_.
+First Galilean.
+Second Galilean.
+A Paralytic.
+First Priest.
+Second Priest.
+A Citizen of Jerusalem.
+The Commander of the Roman Soldiers.
+
+First                         \
+Second                         > Roman Soldier.
+Third                         /
+
+The Captain of the Palace Guard.
+The Gaoler.
+Men and Women from Jerusalem, Pilgrims, Roman Legionaries, Men and
+Maidservants in the Palace.
+
+              Time of Action. _The Year 29 after Christ_.
+
+   Scene of Action. _During the Prelude a rocky wilderness near
+                              Jerusalem_.
+
+      In the First, Second, and Third Acts. _Jerusalem_.
+      In the Fourth and Fifth Acts. _A town of Galilee_.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                PRELUDE
+
+
+
+
+                                PRELUDE
+
+_Wild, rocky scenery in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem.... Night--The
+moon shining dimly through jagged clouds.... In the distance is seen
+the fire of the great sacrificial altar, burning on the horizon._
+
+
+                                SCENE I
+
+_Dark shadows flit in groups across the background from right to left._
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Hadidja, I am afraid!
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Come!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I am afraid. Seest thou not those gliding shadows? Their feet scarce
+touch the stones, and their flesh is like the shadow of the night-wind.
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Fool that thou art! Thou art afraid of thy companions in misery and
+suffering. The same need as thine brings them hither; the same hope
+leads them on to the heights.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Do they also wish to go to him?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Every one wishes to go to him. Is there a light in Israel which doth
+not irradiate from his hand? Is there water for the thirsty which doth
+not flow from him? Streams of sweet water gush forth from these dead
+stones, and his voice is born out of silence.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+But I am afraid of him. Why dwelleth he among the terrors of the
+desert? Why flieth he from the paths of the joyous, and shunneth the
+suffering?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+The joyous need him not. The suffering will find their way to him.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Look, Hadidja! There is the glow of fire yonder above Jerusalem. The
+Romans are burning down our houses, and yet we tarry here!
+
+HADIDJA
+
+What! Dost thou not know that is the great altar on which, day and
+night, the priests offer up a tenth part of the sweat of our brows?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_In horrified amazement._] And would he let the great altar fall too?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+I know not. But what he willeth is best. See--who is coming?
+
+
+                                SCENE II
+
+_The same; two men, half carrying, half dragging a paralytic who
+moans._
+
+FIRST MAN
+
+Women, say, have ye met the great Rabbi whom men call the Baptist?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+We also are seeking the Baptist.
+
+[_The Paralytic, moaning._] Put me down; let me die!
+
+FIRST MAN
+
+We have carried this palsied man here in our arms, and they are weary,
+and he whom we hoped to find is not here.
+
+THE PARALYTIC
+
+[_With a groan._] I shall die!
+
+MANASSA'S VOICE
+
+[_Crying aloud from the right._] John! John!
+
+MANASSA
+
+[_Rushing on the scene._] John, where art thou, John? I cry unto thee
+in my distress. Have mercy; let me behold thee, John!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Pointing to the left._] Look! A crowd of people are drawing near. They
+go before him.
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Kneel; for it is he.
+
+
+                               SCENE III
+
+_The same. John, behind him a number of men and women, among them
+Amarja._
+
+JOHN
+
+Whose wretchedness is so great that he wails aloud, and forgets that
+grief should be silent?
+
+MANASSA
+
+[_Kneeling before him._] Rabbi, mighty Rabbi. If thou art he of whom
+men are talking in the streets of Jerusalem, help me, save me!
+
+JOHN
+
+Stand up and speak.
+
+MANASSA
+
+I am Manassa, the son of Jeruel, and my father was sick and blind; and
+I lived with him on the road to Gibeon, close by the well which is
+never dry. And men came unto me who said, "It is the will of the Lord
+our God that ye refuse to pay tribute to the Romans," and I refused to
+pay the Romans tribute. Then have the soldiers fallen on me and burned
+my house, and my young wife hath perished in the flames, and my father,
+who was blind. And I am now left alone and desolate. Help me, Rabbi!
+Help!
+
+JOHN
+
+Am I lord over Life and Death that I can make thy father, wife, and
+child alive again? Can I build up thy house once more out of its ashes?
+What dost thou ask of me?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Then cursed be those who----
+
+JOHN
+
+Stop! Cursings enough hang over us. Israel is loaded with them, like
+the autumn boughs with ripe grapes. Wherefore dost thou lament? Look
+before, instead of behind. If thou canst not withhold thy lamentations,
+put a gag between thy teeth; for prayer should be silent, and longing
+and patience without sound.
+
+MANASSA
+
+How shall that help me, Rabbi, in my loneliness and desolation?
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou speakest sinfully. Is He not with thee?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Rabbi! Who?
+
+AMARJA
+
+Hearken! He hath not heard the news of Him Who cometh!
+
+JOHN
+
+Know'st thou not that soon there will be rejoicing in Israel? Bridal
+garments and music of cymbals! Know'st thou not that there will be no
+more sorrow in Israel? Therefore wipe the foam from thy lips and
+sanctify thyself.
+
+ALL
+
+Sanctify thyself!
+
+MANASSA
+
+No more sorrow. No more suffering! Rabbi, say that I may stay with
+thee?
+
+JOHN
+
+Mix with thy fellows over there and learn silence.
+
+MANASSA
+
+[_Stammering._] Rabbi! [_He withdraws._]
+
+JOHN
+
+I see not Josaphat among ye. Neither is Matthias here. Who hath tidings
+of them?
+
+AMARJA
+
+Rabbi, none hath seen them.
+
+JOHN
+
+Who is that lying on the ground groaning?
+
+THE PARALYTIC
+
+Master, I am a poor man, sick of a palsy and in great agony. If Thou
+canst not cure me, I must die!
+
+JOHN
+
+Die _now_! Now, when One is at hand Who bringeth relief for thy tumours
+and balm for thy sores? I say unto Thee thou wilt thank the Lord thy
+God with shouts of joy for every hour of thy pain, for every inch of
+the road thou hast crawled along on inflamed knees, when thou beholdest
+Him for Whom our soul longeth and hopeth, for Whose coming we wait and
+watch by the roadside, looking towards the East. Therefore endure
+sevenfold suffering and groan no more.
+
+THE PARALYTIC
+
+Rabbi, thou hast done wonders for me. I feel no longer--I----[_He makes
+an effort to rise, but sinks back. His companions lead him away. He
+breathes more easily, laughing as he goes._]
+
+MURMUR OF PEOPLE
+
+See! a miracle. He works miracles!
+
+ONE OF THE PEOPLE
+
+Truly the word is fulfilled--Elias is risen. The Great Prophet is risen
+from the dead!
+
+ANOTHER
+
+No, not Elias, not the Prophet! See ye not, ye blind? It is He Himself!
+He is the promised One. Worship Him! worship Him!
+
+ALL
+
+[_Falling on their knees._] Worship Him!
+
+JOHN
+
+A man sick of a fever crawled along the road looking for the physician,
+and when a beggar or a slave came by, carrying water, he fell on his
+knees before him and cried, "Hail to thee, great physician! Thank God,
+thou art come!" And so he went on till evening, and the children mocked
+him. [_The people rise slowly._] What have I, the beggar, to give you?
+The water I carry is to baptize you in; it is the pure water of
+repentance. But He Who cometh after me will baptize with fire and the
+Spirit, and I am not worthy to unlatch His shoes, ... so little am I
+compared with Him.
+
+SEVERAL
+
+Rabbi, tell us, when will He come of Whom thou speakest?
+
+OTHERS
+
+Who is it, Rabbi? Be merciful and strengthen our souls. Speak to us of
+Him.
+
+JOHN
+
+Then sit ye down in a circle and hear the oft-told tidings, ye
+insatiable ones. [_The people crouch on the ground._]
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Hadidja, what is he going to tell us?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Be silent.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Let me take thy hand, Hadidja.
+
+JOHN
+
+It was on the banks of Jordan that I baptized all, according to the
+command of the Lord. Many people were gathered round me and hearkened
+to what I preached, but my soul was consumed with doubt and misgiving.
+Then, lo, a youth came down from the cliffs above, and he was alone,
+and all the people drew back. And as I raised my eyes to his face, I
+knew that this was He, for the glory of eternity shone round about Him.
+And when He spake with me, and prayed me to baptize Him as if He were a
+sinner, I trembled and refused, saying, "I would be baptized by Thee,
+but _Thou_ comest to me?" And He made answer, "So be it, for thus shall
+the law be fulfilled." Then I yielded, and let it be as He desired. And
+when He had received Baptism from my trembling hand, He rose from the
+water, and behold, the Heavens opened above Him and I saw the Holy
+Ghost descending like a white dove, and He was bathed in the Heavenly
+light. And a voice out of Heaven spake, "Behold, this is My Beloved
+Son, in Whom I am well pleased." Then I fell on my face and prayed. And
+I was no longer afraid.
+
+ONE OF THE CROWD
+
+[_After a pause._] And whence came He, He Who was thus illumined by the
+radiance of the Lord?
+
+ALL
+
+Yes, whence came He, and whither did He go? Didst thou not hold Him?
+
+JOHN
+
+Plague me not with questions. He cometh and goeth, and no man holdeth
+Him. At this very hour He may be sitting in our midst.
+
+ALL
+
+[_Turn on each other a scared and inquiring gaze._]
+
+AMARJA
+
+Rabbi, we are all poor workpeople from Jerusalem, and every one knoweth
+his fellow.
+
+ONE OF THE CROWD
+
+[_Pointing to Miriam._] Yes, we men! But here is a woman whom I never
+saw before.
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Her name is Miriam, and she serves as maid in the Palace, as I do.
+
+JOHN
+
+Leave her in peace.
+
+ANOTHER
+
+But if He of Whom thou speakest dwells among the living, He must bear a
+name, and His Father's name.
+
+ALL
+
+Yea; tell us His name. His name?
+
+JOHN
+
+Ye would hear his name? Listen to the wind whispering among the rocks,
+mark well what it saith ere it vanisheth. So His name, heard first here
+and then there, passed by my ear. I am waiting with prayer and anxiety
+to hear it again. Therefore I say unto you, Question me not further,
+lest it melt away like a dream when the cock croweth.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Yet give us withal some guidance. Whence came He to thee--He----
+
+JOHN
+
+The wind which wafted Him to me blew from Galilee.
+
+ALL
+
+From Galilee!
+
+ONE
+
+Is then the Messiah the Galileans', the fisheaters'?
+
+ANOTHER
+
+He shall come to us Judaeans! Up, and let us seek Him!
+
+ALL
+
+Aye, let us seek Him!
+
+JOHN
+
+Think ye that He will permit Himself to be found by you? Ye miserable
+creatures full of mutiny and revolt! Who are ye that ye should alter
+the course of the world's history by a hair's breadth? When the time
+for His harvest is ripe, then He shall appear to you of His own free
+will in glory as the Lord of Hosts. The four cherubim shall ride before
+Him on caparisoned horses, with flaming sickles in their hands....
+Whatsoever hath been planted in sin and hath grown up rankly, that
+shall be mown down, root and branch; whatsoever hath reared itself
+against Him shall be trampled upon. Therefore, ye men of Israel, root
+up the weeds that flourish and encumber your bodies, so that ye do not
+rot, and in your corruption are not swept away with your polluters when
+_He_ draweth near with the seven-coloured rainbow about His head. He
+Who shall come must come [_reflectively_], must come!
+
+ONE OF THE CROWD
+
+Rabbi, we have repented of our sins. We pray day and night, and our
+bodies are emaciated from fasting. Say, what more can we do?
+
+
+                                SCENE IV
+
+                 _The same. Josaphat. Matthias._
+
+JOHN
+
+Josaphat, so thou art here. And thou, Matthias.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Master, chide us not for having lingered. We paused by Herod's Palace,
+which, as a rule, is dark and deserted. We saw rosy lights kindled, and
+the pillars garlanded with flowers. Fresh ignominy shall befall Israel,
+more deadly sin weigh upon her, if thou, Rabbi, comest not to the
+rescue.
+
+JOHN
+
+Speak out!
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Herod hath not come out of Galilee, as every year before, for the
+Passover. He is not expected till to-morrow. Another guest hath
+arrived. The wife of Philip, Herod's brother, hath deserted him, and
+taken with her Salome, Philip's daughter.
+
+The guest at the Palace is called Herodias, and to-morrow the marriage
+feast is to be celebrated.
+
+JOHN
+
+Between Herod and the wife of his own brother?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Thou sayest right, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+No! No! Whoever hath told thee this informed thee falsely. His lips
+were shameless, and his soul lied.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Pardon, Rabbi; there are maids here belonging to the Palace....
+Question them.
+
+JOHN
+
+Hadidja, I know thee. Speak!
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Rabbi, my place is menial. I only hear what the idle gossips say. But
+here is Miriam. She has been chosen as the playmate of the young maiden
+Salome since she came yesterday. She waits on her at the bath. Question
+her!
+
+JOHN
+
+Miriam, why art thou silent?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Rabbi, she hath never yet conversed with strangers.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_In a low, stuttering tone._] Master, it is true what that man saith.
+And----[_Emotion._]
+
+JOHN
+
+Continue!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+And after the wedding, on the first day of the Passover, Herodias is to
+enter the Temple, as far as the women's outer court, her new consort
+leading her by the hand. They will show themselves to the people.
+
+JOHN
+
+That the people may stone them? But what am I saying? They dare not!
+Those priests, lustful as they are, cowards cringing in the dust at the
+feet of the Romans, dare not permit this! The iron gates will close
+upon the scandal, and the High Priest will stretch forth his arm to
+curse them!
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Speak, Miriam!
+
+JOHN
+
+What else hast thou to say, Miriam?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Master, at this very hour, messengers are passing to and fro between
+Herodias and the Temple. The Princess desireth that the High Priest
+shall meet them at the second gate, where the men and women separate,
+to bless her----
+
+JOHN
+
+Enough! Go home, all of you. I wish to be alone. To-morrow ye will see
+me at Jerusalem. [_Horror amongst the people._]
+
+ONE OF THE CROWD
+
+Rabbi, wilt thou be responsible for thy enemies?
+
+OTHERS
+
+Reflect, Rabbi! The Pharisees will trap thee. The priests will condemn
+thee.
+
+JOHN
+
+I am the son of a priest. I will speak priestly words to those who
+countenance this infamous crime. I will speak to them in the name of
+Him Who cometh, for Whom I prepare the way. Go! [_As they appear
+unwilling and hesitate._] Go! [_The curtain falls._]
+
+
+
+
+                               FIRST ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               FIRST ACT
+
+_Square in front of the Palace of Herod--The guardroom of the Roman
+soldiers is to the right of the Palace in the foreground, with benches
+before the door--To the right of centre is the chief entrance--Steps in
+background, which lead to the top of a hill--Behind, separated by an
+invisible valley, is a view of rising masses of house-tops belonging to
+another part of the town--A narrow street to the left of centre, and
+another street in foreground, which may be taken as a continuation of
+the one that runs to right of guard-room--In it is the shop of the
+woollen merchant_ Eliakim--_At its right corner the shop of the
+fruit-seller_ Pasur, _with wares exhibited--A fountain with seats round
+it, near the middle of the stage._
+
+
+                                SCENE I
+
+_Eliakim, Pasur. First, second, third common soldiers._
+
+PASUR
+
+[_As he comes forward glances anxiously at the soldiers, who sit in
+front of guard-room._] Neighbour, neighbour, dost thou not hear me?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+[_Sitting outside his shop reading a parchment_] It is written that
+whosover disturbeth a man when he is reading the law shall forfeit his
+life.
+
+PASUR
+
+Thou readest the law?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Knowest thou not that I read the law day and night?
+
+PASUR
+
+Forgive me, neighbour; accuse me not. I sinned out of ignorance.... I
+was in fear of the soldiers who are quartered yonder ... but I am going
+in. [_Slinks back to his shop._]
+
+FIRST SOLDIER
+
+[_To the second who sharpens his sword._] Marcus, wherefore handiest
+thou thy blade with such terrific zeal? There is naught to hew down in
+there. These damned Judeans have had enough. They'll rebel no more.
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+Who can tell? Since that woman entered there yesterday, my nostrils
+have scented bloodshed. Everything is upside down in Herod's house, and
+your so-called princes are ticklish subjects.
+
+FIRST SOLDIER
+
+Here in Judea they have none; so we are masters.
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+We are masters everywhere, with or without a Herod.
+
+FIRST SOLDIER
+
+What brings the Tetrarch of Galilee to Jerusalem?
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+Yes, well mayest thou ask! Yet he cometh twice or thrice in the year to
+rub his nose on the fleeces of the Temple, and then away he goes again.
+God requires it of him, so they say. A crazy people!
+
+FIRST SOLDIER
+
+And we must stand by as guard of honour. A nice business for a Roman
+citizen!
+
+
+                                SCENE II
+
+_The same, Hadidja and two other maids_ (_with jugs on their heads,
+come out of the Palace and go to the well, where they draw water_).
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+Idiot! We are bound to do it, so that we may appear to honour him. In
+reality we guard him. He will soon be here now.
+
+THIRD SOLDIER
+
+[_Who has been squatting on a brick, without taking any part in
+conversation, sings._] Sweet smiling Lalage, thee will I love for ever.
+Thee, sweet smiling Lalage----
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+[_Irritably._] Have done howling after thy Lalage! Before thou goest
+back to Rome again, she will be a grandmother.
+
+THIRD SOLDIER
+
+[_Stretching out his arms._] Alack! Yes.
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+[_Pointing to the maids._] Are not there women enough here?
+
+THIRD SOLDIER
+
+Ah! but they are Jew girls. They mean well enough, but the punishment
+of death hangs over them.
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+A crazy people.
+
+THIRD SOLDIER
+
+If only there were no foreigners! I, for my part, take not kindly to
+these Asiatics. They wash all day long, and yet stink in spite of
+it.... Ha! yesterday a Syrian sweetheart made me a present of a
+necklace. There it is. Shall we dice for it?
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+Show it to me. I say fifty denarii.
+
+THIRD SOLDIER
+
+Rogue! A hundred and fifty!
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+Very well.
+
+FIRST SOLDIER
+
+I will join.
+
+THIRD SOLDIER
+
+Come along. [_All three disappear into the guard-room._]
+
+
+                               SCENE III
+
+_Eliakim, Pasur, Hadidja, and the two other maids. Two Priests_
+[_descending the central steps_].
+
+FIRST PRIEST
+
+Damsels, you belong to the Palace?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Yes, ye priests.
+
+FIRST PRIEST
+
+Announce us to your mistress.
+
+HADIDJA
+
+Our mistress, priests, is gone forth to meet the Tetrarch Herod, to
+receive him at the gates.
+
+FIRST PRIEST
+
+When will she return?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+That we cannot say, priests; it depends on the coming of the Prince.
+
+FIRST PRIEST
+
+Do you desire our blessing?
+
+HADIDJA
+
+No! [_She vanishes with the other maids into the interior of the
+Palace._]
+
+BOTH PRIESTS
+
+[_Look discomposed._]
+
+FIRST PRIEST
+
+[_Observing Eliakim and Pasur sitting in front of their doors, raises
+his hands unctuously._] Blessed be ye who----
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+No one asked thy blessing!
+
+BOTH PRIESTS
+
+[_Regard each other in dismay._]
+
+SECOND PRIEST
+
+[_Furiously._] These again are of the school of the Pharisees!
+
+FIRST PRIEST
+
+We hold the Temple. They shall yet be our servants. Come! [_Exeunt both
+priests._]
+
+
+                                SCENE IV
+
+PASUR
+
+[_Drawing near humbly._] Forgive me, neighbour, but now thou no longer
+readest in the law?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+No.
+
+PASUR
+
+This will be a sorry Passover for us tradesmen. See all this fine stock
+which I have laid in. There is the sacred pomegranate wood, whereon to
+roast the lamb. Here are the sweet herbs, with which to prepare the
+holy broth, and here are the bitter roots, the garlic, cresses, and bay
+leaves, all according to the precept. In six, or at latest seven hours
+the feast begins, and I shall be left stranded with my whole stock on
+hand. Oh, woe is me! Woe is me!
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Well, have I not also superior and holy wares for sale? There are
+stuffs of the very finest quality. Beautiful tassels of white and
+hyacinth-blue wool. And are not my Tephillims the most beautiful ever
+worn by a son of Abraham at morning prayer? Nay, Abraham himself never
+wore a finer Tephillim. I believe I have eighteen dozen or more. But
+one should take no thought of bodily raiment, but read the Scriptures.
+So it is written.
+
+PASUR
+
+But, neighbour, the man who deals in vegetables does not find it so
+easy to be righteous in the sight of the Lord. Thy woollen goods will
+keep till Herod is gone again with his new wife.
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+[_Shakes his fist at the Palace._] It's a shame, a crying shame!
+
+PASUR
+
+Yes; once this was always a good spot for business, but now grass
+groweth in front of the Palace.
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Only _priests_ go in and out.
+
+
+                                SCENE V
+
+_The same. A citizen of Jerusalem_ [_who comes to fill his pitcher at
+the fountain_].
+
+CITIZEN
+
+[_Distressfully._] Neighbour, dear neighbour!
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+What is thy trouble?
+
+CITIZEN
+
+Thou art a righteous man and knowest the law. Give me advice, and thou
+shalt have my thanks. My poor wife has hurt her foot while working in
+the fields. It is burning and swollen, and I bathe it with cold water
+from the fountain, which does it good. But in a short time beginneth
+the feast. May I continue with the bathing then?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Sabbath breaking. Thou wilt be guilty, and deserve death.
+
+THE CITIZEN
+
+Oh, Lord eternal!
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Yes. If it were her throat that ailed, then thou mightest pour the
+remedy into her mouth. But foot! No!
+
+CITIZEN
+
+But suppose that it mortifies!
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Yea, if it mortifies and is a danger to life, the law alloweth it.
+
+THE CITIZEN
+
+[_Crying out in despair._] But then it is too late!
+
+[_Meanwhile a man wrapt in a cloak has come down the street, and looks
+up calmly at the windows of Herod's Palace._]
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+[_Points to him, looking shocked._] Hush, if thou lovest thy life! The
+man thou seest yonder is one David, belonging to the Zealots who dwell
+in the desert. They come down to the towns with daggers hidden in the
+folds of their cloaks. And when they find people committing a breach of
+the law by word or deed, they strike at them from behind. [_Rising, as
+the stranger approaches._] Greeting; thou holy man! Behold I know thee
+well. Wilt thou not bless thy servant? [_The stranger passes, and
+disappears in the street to the left._]
+
+PASUR
+
+I feel a shiver run through me. One can err and not know it.
+
+THE CITIZEN
+
+How many hours are there yet, ere the feast begins?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+[_Regarding the sun._] Six.
+
+THE CITIZEN
+
+So long, then, I may use the cooling remedy, but I know not what to do
+afterwards. [_Drags his pitcher away dejectedly._]
+
+PASUR
+
+Of a truth, we Hebrews are hunted like vermin. If the Romans leave us
+alone, the law strikes at us.
+
+
+                                SCENE VI
+
+_The same. The stage has become half-filled with people, who
+gesticulate in excitement, looking up at Herod's Palace. Among them
+Hachmoni; later, the soldiers._
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+What is going on there? Hachmoni, thou shalt speak. What ails the
+people?
+
+HACHMONI
+
+Hast thou not heard? John is in the town!
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+There are many Johns.
+
+HACHMONI
+
+The Baptist, man!
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+The Baptist; enemy of the Priests and of the Pharisees; to whom every
+Rechabite hath sworn death. Is he caught at last?
+
+HACHMONI
+
+Thou speakest like one in his sleep! If there is a man in Jerusalem
+safe and untouched by the curse of the Romans, it is he. He standeth in
+the market-place and preacheth; he standeth at the gates and
+preacheth.--Did I say _preach_? Firebrands issue from his lips;
+scorpions leap out of his mouth.
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Against whom doth he preach, then?
+
+HACHMONI
+
+Against Herod, naturally. And his paramour, and his paramour's whelp.
+
+ALL
+
+Down with Herod! Death to Herod!
+
+[_The first and second Roman soldiers step out of the guard-room._]
+
+FIRST SOLDIER
+
+What are the blear-eyed scum crying?
+
+SECOND SOLDIER
+
+Death to Herod! Did not I say it would be so? I can trust my nose.
+[_Draws his sword._]
+
+PASUR
+
+Protect yourselves! The soldiers! [_The people fall back._]
+
+FIRST SOLDIER [_laughing._]
+
+The dogs are affrighted already. Curs! [_They go in, laughing._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VII
+
+_The same. Amasai and Jorab_ [_from left centre, remain in the
+street_].
+
+AMASAI
+
+Look at them! Must this not appear a mad mockery in the sight of the
+Lord? Who that follows the straight path laid down by the law, after
+the manner of God-fearing men, can have anything in common with these
+sinners?
+
+JORAB
+
+They are infatuated with the Baptist's preaching, and yet too weak to
+kick against the pricks. Speak to them, so that they come to
+themselves.
+
+AMASAI
+
+After the Baptist? Rather would I grasp a mad bull by the horns. They
+would go up to the Temple to make an offering of sow's blood, if he
+bade them do it.
+
+JORAB
+
+Cannot we trap him?
+
+AMASAI
+
+And so stand before the people as the friends of Herod? Leave that kind
+of fame to the Priests and the Sadducees. The disaffection which we
+quelled, at a signal from him, screams aloud in the gutter. So what
+good have we done? That is why the people flock to him. We have missed
+our opportunity. But still; I know a way to entangle him. I will strike
+at him through his folly about the Messiah. [_Shouts of applause arise
+from the people._] Listen! so they once hailed us. [_They withdraw
+further into the street to the left._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VII
+
+_The same, without Amasai and Jorab. John, accompanied by Josaphat,
+Matthias, and Manassa and afresh crowd. People appear behind left._
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Throwing himself down on the edge of the fountain._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+See, Rabbi, what power hath been given thee. They wag their tails like
+pleased hounds. Jerusalem the Blessed lies at thy feet.
+
+JOHN
+
+Give me to drink!
+
+MANASSA
+
+[_Draws him water._]
+
+HACHMONI
+
+Behold! The great prophet drinks as if he were one of us----
+
+PASUR
+
+That is goat's hair wherewith he is clothed. It must prick his skin. It
+shows what a holy man he is.
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+But he doth not favour the woollen trade. If all were so holy, we
+should be beggared.
+
+HACHMONI
+
+And his food, people say, is nought but locusts and wild honey.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+Get back. See ye not that ye plague him? [_They retire._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Rabbi, forgive. The people wait. What is thy command to them?
+
+JOHN
+
+Is this Herod's house?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Yes, Rabbi [_silence_]. Rabbi, say, what shall they do?
+
+JOHN
+
+Am I the keeper of these people? The shepherd may drive his flock
+through thorns or flowers. I pine for the wilderness, for my rocky
+fastnesses.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Dismayed._] Rabbi!
+
+JOHN
+
+I have awakened the slumbering conscience, scourged and roused the
+idle, shown the erring the right road. One great burst of indignation
+against Herod now flames towards heaven. So now they may let me go my
+way, or send their spies after me. But no priest has yet dared to stand
+in my path. It is well. My work in Jerusalem is at an end.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+Not so, Rabbi. Thy work only beginneth. We have to face the Prince's
+entry. The people want a leader.
+
+JOHN
+
+Whither will they be led?
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+That we know not, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+And do I know? Am I one to subject my will to the fetters of a plan, or
+to spin a web of calculations for others? I am the voice of one crying
+in the wilderness. That is my destiny. Come! [_He stands up._]
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+Hail to thee, John! Hail! [_As he is going, Amasai and Jorab step in
+his way._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VIII
+
+                       _The same. Amasai, Jorab._
+
+AMASAI
+
+Pardon us, great Prophet, that we have not yet been present at thy
+baptisms.
+
+JOHN
+
+Who are ye?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Whispering._] Be on your guard, Rabbi. They wear the wide hem of the
+Pharisees. Their brethren are high in the Council.
+
+AMASAI
+
+We are diligent scribes, simple men, to whom the study of the law hath
+brought more honour than we deserve.
+
+JOHN
+
+May be. But what do ye want with me?
+
+AMASAI
+
+Many reports of miracles worked by thee have come to our ears. Some say
+thou art Elias; and others, even greater than he. We are willing to
+believe this, even if thou performest not his miracles. Naturally
+thou mayest have reasons in thy heart for keeping thy power of
+miracle-working a secret from us.
+
+PASUR
+
+Hath he worked miracles?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Not for me.
+
+PASUR
+
+Ah!
+
+AMASAI
+
+We have heard, too, much of thy godliness; that thou fastest and
+prayest as one to whom meat and drink and earthly intercourse are of no
+account. We fast and pray also, and our desire for doing good cannot be
+satisfied. But the law is harder and more zealous than we. Therefore we
+beg thee to be so gracious as to bestow on us the benefit of thy
+teaching, Rabbi, and to tell us how we can keep the law.
+
+JOHN
+
+So? Ye lay traps for me under the cloak of your glib words. Ye
+generation of vipers! Who hath told you that ye shall escape the wrath
+to come? Woe unto you, when He cometh Who is stronger than I! He hath
+His sickle already in His hand. He will gather the grain into His barn,
+but the chaff He will burn with everlasting fire.
+
+PASUR
+
+Of whom doth he speak?
+
+HACHMONI
+
+Hush! he speaks of the Messiah.
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+What Messiah?
+
+JORAB
+
+Come, Amasai. I am afraid of this man.
+
+AMASAI
+
+[_Shielding himself with his hand._] We approached thee as petitioners,
+and thou hast abused us. We will let that pass, presuming that thou
+hast a right thereto. The one of whom thou speakest as coming after
+thee has given thee the right. Is it not so? [_Silence._] Behold, ye
+people of Israel, your prophet is silent. If it be not the Messiah,
+the Messiah of Whom he preaches in the wilderness, and even in the
+market-place, who hath given him the right to chide us? Where else hath
+he obtained his authority? Ye know what we are, God-fearing, upright
+men, that strive to obey the law in everything.
+
+ONE OF THE PEOPLE
+
+Who is this?
+
+ELIAKIM
+
+Amasai, the wise and learned scribe.
+
+PEOPLE
+
+[_Murmuring._] Listen, it is Amasai.
+
+ANOTHER
+
+Rabbi, wilt thou not bless us?
+
+AMASAI
+
+Yea, we, in short, who are a piece of the law ourselves. And we have
+never done this man any harm. If he is an enemy to us, it must be
+because he is an enemy to the law.
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou liest.
+
+AMASAI
+
+Good. If I lie, so teach me, great prophet, how thou keepest the law.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_In a low voice._] Yes, Rabbi, explain! The people expect it.
+
+JOHN
+
+I have nothing to do with the law, of which ye and your like set up to
+be guardians and students. [_Sensation among the people._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Sotto voce._] Rabbi, think what thou art saying. Injure not thyself.
+
+JOHN
+
+Nay, it is not your law, but ye yourselves that I hate. For your hand
+lieth heavily on this people, and your well-being is its affliction.
+
+AMASAI
+
+That thou hast yet to prove, great prophet.
+
+JOHN
+
+Who are ye, ye men of worldly wisdom, that ye should look on the law as
+your special inheritance and possession? Here is an enslaved people
+crawling patiently on its belly beneath a scourge, oppressed by a heavy
+burden, and ye desire to tell it _how_ it shall crawl.
+
+AMASAI
+
+Yea, because it must crawl somehow, great prophet.
+
+JOHN
+
+Ye think so. I say that it shall rise out of the dust.
+
+AMASAI
+
+Thus have rebels ever spoken, and the end hath always been the cross
+and the gallows. Thou, whom men call the great prophet, listen to me!
+When the Lord redeemed His people the first time, how did He do it?
+Through the law. And when He redeemed them a second time, knowest thou
+how He did it? Through the law. So if we guard and watch this law, and
+let it expand by itself, swelling like an ear of corn, a thousand times
+into a thousandfold blessings, what is our object? Redemption, the hope
+which lives in all of us. Only we do not noise it abroad in the gutter
+and on the housetops.
+
+PEOPLE
+
+[_Murmuring._] There he is right. Aye, he is right!
+
+
+                                SCENE IX
+
+_The same. A troop of pilgrims have come up by degrees and slake their
+thirst at the fountain. Among them Simon the Galilean._
+
+AMASAI
+
+See! Look around thee. Behold these pilgrims! They come with their
+knapsacks from far distant lands: from Egypt, from Euphrates, and
+Syria, and from the accursed city of Rome itself. They are indifferent
+to hunger and thirst, the heat of the sun, and the dust of the road.
+And wherefore have they come? Because of this very law, which I and my
+brethren guard and study. And if thou sayest thou hast nothing to do
+with this law, and hatest it, tell us, then, what law thou lovest?
+Where do the Commandments leave off which the Lord made for His people,
+and where begin the vain works of men? Enlighten us, great prophet, and
+scold us not.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Is silent, and uncertain what to say._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+I warned thee, Rabbi!
+
+AMASAI
+
+[_With a laugh of scorn._] Now see, all of you. See! Methinks the
+great---- [_Breaks off as a woman, sickly and heavily loaded, comes
+accidentally near to him. He turns round in anger._] Touch me not, lest
+I become unclean! I am a Rechabite!
+
+SIMON THE GALILEAN
+
+[_To the woman._] No; touch _him_ not, lest _thou_ becomest unclean.
+
+AMASAI
+
+What?
+
+SIMON THE GALILEAN
+
+For the Pharisees who call themselves Rechabites are unclean from
+within. Come! [_Leads her to the fountain._]
+
+AMASAI
+
+He denies God!
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Murmuring._] He denies God!
+
+AMASAI
+
+A Rechabite unclean? A man who doth nothing day and night but fulfil
+the law; who performeth his sacred ablutions three times more than
+necessary; who sitteth, on the Sabbath, like a monument; who speaketh a
+blessing at meat twice, and over salt, bread er----er--[_half
+choking._] A Rechabite unclean?
+
+JOHN
+
+If I could not answer thy questions with their double meaning, thou
+thyself hast now answered them!
+
+AMASAI
+
+And may seven swine possess thee, thou great prophet, so that compared
+with them thou appearest to me a saint. [_To the Galilean._] And what
+evil spirit hath taken possession of thee, man? Art thou a Jew? Where
+dost thou come from? What is thy name?
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+[_In a low voice._] Tell him not thy name. He will ruin thee.
+
+SIMON THE GALILEAN
+
+[_Calmly._] I am a Jew. My name is Simon, and I come from Galilee.
+
+AMASAI
+
+And as one that there knoweth Law and Sacrifice----
+
+SIMON THE GALILEAN
+
+[_Interrupting._] Greater than law, greater than sacrifice, is love!
+[_Sensation and dismay among people_]
+
+AMASAI
+
+See ye not now that he is guilty against the law? [_He continues
+speaking earnestly to the people_]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Approaching the Galilean in great excitement._] Who taught thee that?
+[_As Simon is silent, more urgently._] Who taught thee that?
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+[_In a quick, low tone to the Galilean._] Before they capture thee,
+fly!
+
+SIMON THE GALILEAN [_Shakes his head._]
+
+JOHN
+
+This knowledge, that comes straight from thy simple and timid heart,
+awes me, for it cannot be thine own. [_The people, hounded on by
+Amasai, jostle the Galilean_] Back! In the Name of Him Who cometh, keep
+back. Leave him alone! [_People retreat._]
+
+PASUR
+
+Thou playest with us and our great longing as if we were toys.
+
+AMASAI
+
+Ah, now I have caught thee! Thou who poisonest a thirsty people with
+foul water! Where is He Who shall come? Where is thy Messiah? Where is
+the King of the Jews? Aye, show Him to us!
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Fiercely._] Yea, woe to thee if thou canst not show Him to us!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Firmly._] Here cometh the King of the Jews whom ye acclaim!
+
+
+                                 SCENE X
+
+_The same. Herod, Herodias, Salome and their train appear above in the
+background. The company of soldiers, with their officers, have posted
+themselves at the Palace gates. In silence the procession descends._
+
+ONE OF THE TRAIN
+
+Hail to Herod! [_Still silence._] Now, ye dogs! Cry, Hail!
+
+HEROD
+
+At what are the people gaping? [_To the Commander of the Guard._] Ye,
+who in obedience to Rome's command are here to protect me, cannot you
+clear them out of my way?
+
+THE SOLDIERS
+
+[_At a sign from their Captain begin to charge the people with lowered
+spears._]
+
+AMASAI
+
+[_Who is standing in the foremost row. Turns with a shrill cry._] Woe!
+woe! [_Takes fight._]
+
+[_Jorab follows him. The people retreat with a subdued exclamation of
+fear. John alone stands his ground, his head held high, and measures
+Herod with his glance._]
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Raising her veil._] Mother, look at that man. It is the same who
+stood in the market-place and at the gates and everywhere where we have
+passed.
+
+HEROD
+
+And everywhere caused dissension.
+
+SALOME
+
+Look! His eyes flash fire! Mother, look!
+
+HEROD
+
+Come along, ye women. And if the pious citizens of Jerusalem have
+unlearnt the way to welcome with rejoicing the representative of the
+great race of Herod [_with a glance at the Captain of the Guard_],
+Rome, I hope, will teach it to them again. [_The Captain shrugs his
+shoulders with a slight smile._]
+
+HEROD
+
+Come, I pray. [_Herod, Herodias, Salome, go with their train into the
+Palace; the common soldiers into the guard-room._]
+
+
+                               SCENE XII
+
+_Johannes, Josaphat, Matthias, Manassa, Hachmoni, Pasur, the people._
+
+HACHMONI
+
+[_At the head of a group, pressing forward_] Pardon us, great prophet.
+The Pharisees have fled like cowards. But, see, we cling to thee. So
+now help us.
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+Help us!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_As if in a dream._] Tell me, whither hath the man from Galilee gone?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Rabbi, we know not.
+
+JOHN
+
+Then seek him. Bring him to me.
+
+MANASSA
+
+Yes, Rabbi.
+
+ALL THE PEOPLE
+
+Tarry with us, great prophet. Help us! We flee to thee.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Pondering in uncertainty._] Matthias, Josaphat, did he not say Love?
+[_The curtain falls_].
+
+
+
+
+                               SECOND ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               SECOND ACT
+
+_Hall in Roman style of architecture in Herod 's Palace--On the right
+side, a balcony upheld by pillars, which extends the whole depth of the
+stage, and to which a fight of steps leads--Off the balcony a door
+opens into Salome's room--Underneath, on the ground floor, another
+door--In the centre of the background is the chief entrance--On the
+left, a window--Near it a couch and other furniture--To the right,
+between the pillars of the balcony, is a divan--Carpets and tiger-skins
+on the floor--A mixture of Roman and Oriental luxury._
+
+
+                                SCENE I
+
+_Maecha, Miriam, Abi_ [_on the balcony_]. _After them, Salome._
+
+THE DAMSELS
+
+[_Stepping cautiously and listening._]
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Through the door._] Is it safe? No one there?
+
+MAECHA
+
+Not a sound of anyone.
+
+SALOME
+
+Then, come! [_They skip down the stairs._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Ah, here it is light, and one can see oneself reflected in the walls.
+Do you know why we have been suddenly mewed up in the apartments above?
+Yesterday we were allowed to wander as we listed through all the
+passages, to dance unveiled in the gardens, and peep through the
+railings and mock the passers-by. But to-day, since my uncle came, we
+have had to sit moping in sackcloth and ashes. Why? Do none of you know
+why?
+
+MAECHA
+
+Mistress, the house is now filled with strangers who were not here
+yesterday. And, it is said that the men who are in the Tetrarch's
+following run after young maidens.
+
+SALOME
+
+Let them! I am not afraid of any men.... I take them as I find them....
+I love them.
+
+ABI
+
+Thou knowest men, mistress?
+
+SALOME
+
+I mean not the men of our own people! They wear beards on their chins
+like forests, and before one can look round, they stand there
+barefooted, and then people say---- No; I mislike that. But once, when
+I was with my father in Antioch, I met pale youths with golden brown
+hair, and they wore red shoes and smelt of perfumes.... They were
+Greeks, my father said, real Greeks from Hellas.... They smiled, and it
+made me thrill.... Why dost thou stand there sulking, Miriam, and
+listenest not to my converse? It doth not please thee? Laugh, or I'll
+beat thee. If thou laughest not, I'll have thee whipped!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Let me be whipped, mistress.
+
+SALOME
+
+Where wert thou last night? The palace guards said thou wouldst visit
+thy sweetheart.... Thou hast a lover? [_Roguishly._] Whisper his name
+in my ear and I'll give thee a gold pin.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I have no one that loveth me, mistress.
+
+SALOME
+
+The language of you Judeans hath an insipid flavour, and your eyes
+dissemble. Yet, I love Jerusalem. A purple haze hangs over its gables.
+And it seemeth to me ever as if the sun in Jerusalem kissed one
+secretly. But ye could not understand how that is ... ye have not the
+blood of the great Herod in your veins. My mother hath it, and I have
+it from her.... And whatever they may say in Jerusalem, my mother was
+wise to run away from that other husband, for the one here is of more
+account than he. And because she was so wise, and at the same time so
+sadly foolish, I love her, and will share the consequences of her
+folly. [_She flings herself on the couch._] I am not displeasing to my
+uncle Herod.... I have remarked that he casts stolen glances at me....
+Now when my mother scolds me I shall know how to tease her! [_Trills
+forth._] I am the Rose of Sharon, a flower of the valley. Cometh not my
+friend into his garden to eat of---- Miriam, where does that window
+look out?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I do not know, mistress. I have never been in this hall before.
+
+SALOME
+
+Go and see.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Looks out of the window and starts._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Why dost thou start?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Did I, mistress?
+
+SALOME
+
+Tell me what thou seest?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+There are many people standing round a fountain, and----
+
+SALOME
+
+And?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I cannot----
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Stands up and goes to window._] Ah! [_Looking out for a moment in
+silence._] Miriam, who is that?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Confused._] Whom dost thou mean, mistress?
+
+SALOME
+
+Is there anyone else but him?... Miriam, thou gentle, brown Miriam
+[_half threateningly_], deny him not!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+It is--John--the Baptist.
+
+ABI, MAECHA
+
+[_Hurrying up, all curiosity._] The Baptist?
+
+SALOME
+
+Let him be who he be. See how the people surge round him! Have ye ever
+in your valley seen a rock bend? He doth not bend. Ha! ha! Not he! Only
+if--perhaps---- [_She stretches out her arms._]
+
+
+                                SCENE II
+
+             _The same. Herodias_. [_Enters from centre._]
+
+MAECHA
+
+Mistress, thy mother!
+
+THE THREE MAIDENS
+
+[_Withdraw quickly from the window._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+What are ye doing here, damsels? Salome thou! Shall we let it be said
+that we have brought evil manners into Jerusalem?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Intending to wound, but outwardly meek._] Methinks it is said
+already.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Enraged._] Go!
+
+SALOME
+
+Yes, mother. [_She crosses over, and lingers between the pillars of the
+balcony._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Ye damsels, stay! Ye are Judeans?
+
+MAECHA
+
+Yes, mistress.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Intelligence hath reached me of one they call the Baptist stirring up
+rebellion in the streets. Which of you know the man?
+
+MAECHA
+
+She does.
+
+ABI
+
+She hath this moment confessed it.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+What dost thou know of him?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+That last night I sat at his feet praying.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Coming forward_] Thou? Thou?
+
+MAECHA
+
+Pardon! A moment ago he was standing close to the Palace.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Show him to me.
+
+MAECHA
+
+[_From the window_] Now is he gone.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_To Miriam_] So speed after him, and when thou hast found him, bring
+him privately through yonder gate. [_Points below to the right_]
+
+SALOME
+
+She shall not.... I will not ... _Not_ her!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Why not?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Throwing her arms round Miriam_] She is dearest to me. I will not let
+her go out of my sight. [_Comes over and supplicates Herodias_] Mother!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Art thou still such a child? [_To Miriam._] Go!
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Angrily._] Miriam!
+
+                                         [_Exit Miriam._
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Such a child, and already hast the tooth of a serpent in thy mouth!
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Kneels on the couch before her mother and encircles her knees with
+her arms._] Forgive me, mother. We, thou and I, are not like others. We
+sting those we love.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Sotto voce._] And those we hate?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Sotto voce._] We kiss!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Laughing._] Child! [_She kisses her._]
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Laughing._] Thou kissest me!
+
+
+                               SCENE III
+
+                    _The same. The Palace Captain._
+
+PALACE CAPTAIN
+
+My master, the Tetrarch Herod, would see thee, mistress.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_In growing anxiety covers Salomes' face with her veil._] Go, make
+haste; go!
+
+SALOME
+
+Mother, I am dull in the upstair chambers. May I not stay near thee?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Looking towards the door._] Go, instantly!
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Slowly climbs the stairs with her companions._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou art Captain in the Palace?
+
+THE PALACE CAPTAIN
+
+[_Bows._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Go, set watches at every door. Who entereth goeth not out again.... And
+keep silent.
+
+THE PALACE CAPTAIN
+
+One has but to see thee to know that thou art the mistress.... How
+should I not be silent? [_Goes to the door._]
+
+
+                                SCENE IV
+
+_The same. Herod, Gabalos, Merokles, Jabad. The Palace Captain_ [_exit
+when the others enter_].
+
+HEROD
+
+Princess, after waiting even the space of a moment, a man will enjoy
+his favours to the full.... Therefore ... [_Kisses her on brow and
+mouth._] Pardon!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou hast rested; art refreshed?
+
+HEROD
+
+That question thou oughtst not to ask me. My father was one of those
+men who never knew what weariness was. So his son, likewise, parts
+company with his pillow betimes, and---- [_He observes Salome who, with
+her veil slightly lifted, looks down from the balcony, and after she
+sees that he has noticed her, vanishes._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou art silent.
+
+HEROD
+
+Thy daughter is not with thee?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Dryly._] No.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Bows his head, smiling._] Allow me, Princess ... to present these
+friends.... I will not call them servants, for such they are not.
+
+MEROKLES
+
+Oh, mistress, they are servants whom thou mayest safely make thy
+friends.
+
+JABAD
+
+And they are friends in order that they may serve thee.
+
+GABALOS
+
+And are amply rewarded for both, great mistress.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Smiling._] This rascal, whose Syrian dialect thou art now acquainted
+with for the first time, is Gabalos from Antioch. Thou seest, I
+tolerate his jesting.
+
+GABALOS
+
+For Herod the Great also kept a Fool.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+And people say that he acquired a second Fool before he let the first
+drown.
+
+GABALOS
+
+[_Bows, smiling, then turns aside with a grimace._]
+
+HEROD
+
+This is Merokles, the rhetorician. His voice carries far. It is heard
+in Rome, when folks there would overhear my own.
+
+MEROKLES
+
+But I shall take no satisfaction in that voice till it may greet thee,
+mistress, with the cry "Hail to thee, O Queen!"
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Winces, then smiles and exchanges a glance with Herod._]
+
+MEROKLES
+
+[_Sotto voce, joining Gabalos._] Thou madest a good hit; I a better.
+
+HEROD
+
+And in contrast to this cool flatterer, here is Jabad the Levite, my
+guide and my conscience ever since I set foot on Jewish soil. For, by
+Bacchus, he knows exactly what I have to do, every moment, in order to
+be pious, after the manner of my pious people.
+
+GABALOS
+
+[_Sotto voce._] He acts as if he had forgotten the way.
+
+MEROKLES
+
+[_Sotto voce._] For by so doing he thinks he will the more resemble his
+father.
+
+HEROD
+
+As an example, what ought I to be doing at this sacred moment?
+
+JABAD
+
+The sun is sinking, oh master. Thy Passover lamb, one year old and
+flawless, hath been slaughtered in the Temple. It is now in the yard to
+be blessed. Thou, as the lord and master of this house----
+
+HEROD
+
+Must do it myself?
+
+JABAD
+
+Thine illustrious father did not, and there was, on that account,
+grumbling amongst the people.
+
+HEROD
+
+Blessing is cleaner work than slaughter. I will do it. See, ye wise
+Greeks, that we must serve the gods in order to rule over men! And in
+the end we serve to no purpose. [_He motions them away. To Jabad._] Go
+and make ready, and I will follow thee. [_Exeunt Gabalos, Merokles, and
+Jabad._]
+
+
+                                SCENE V
+
+_Herod, Herodias_ [_later Salome with Maecha, on the balcony. Herod and
+Herodias stand together a few moments in silence._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Art thou content?
+
+HEROD
+
+Thy kindness oppresses me. Whether thou art content seemeth to me of
+more importance.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Feeling his tone of contempt._] I have had no roof over my head for
+three nights. Like a tramp I have wandered in the dust of the roads. My
+serving-women one by one deserted me. Only Salome hath not forsaken me.
+I have robbed her of her father; the father I have robbed of his child.
+And what I have robbed my husband of thou canst estimate better than it
+beseemeth me. See, all this I have done for thee!
+
+HEROD
+
+I have abandoned my wife, who also said she loved me. She flew to her
+father. He now maketh ready for war to avenge his child's wrong. Only a
+trifle is lacking: I have no army. In Rome I am threatened with
+disgrace; my brother curses me; Judea points the finger of scorn at
+me.... So little have I done for thee----
+
+HERODIAS
+
+And thou repentest this little already?
+
+HEROD
+
+No! only forgive me if I blame thy coming too soon.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Too soon! Was warmer welcome ever heard than this "too soon"?
+
+HEROD
+
+Take not my words amiss, I entreat thee!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I dare not say that longing drove me here.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_With an embarrassed smile._] Say it ... by all means!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Then thou hast not forgotten the days--of eloquent looks and silent
+vows--when every breath was a longing desire and every word a feast?
+
+HEROD
+
+How should I forget? Love, how should I----?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+And thou rememberest no more the nights when wandering footsteps stole
+their way to the fragrant gardens, where, in the feverish blossoming
+around them, two sleepless ones mingled their sighs?
+
+HEROD
+
+How could I not remember; Love, how could I not?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I have clothed myself in Indian draperies; I have put pomegranate
+blossoms in my bosom, and gold dust in my hair ... but thou seest
+nothing!... My converse is bridal, but thou hearest it not.
+
+[_Salome has appeared on the balcony with Maecha. Herod notices her._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Wait; let me see whether he has already come. [_She looks over, and
+after her eyes have met Herod's she vanishes._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Observing his absence of mind, with an exclamation._] No! thou
+hearest nothing.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Quickly recovering himself?_] Well; what if it is so? The language of
+our soul, which thou art kind enough to call bridal, was fitting to the
+delight of those fragrant gardens. To-day, methinks, we have another
+task before us!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thinkest thou that I have been idle? Am I a woman who cometh to beg of
+you a nightly dole of caresses? Look at me.... Not thy beloved.... She
+exists no longer.... See in me thy ruling mistress!
+
+HEROD
+
+I am looking, and I see a woman who raves.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+As real as the ambition of thy mistress, as real as the secret
+resentment which gnaws beneath thy own; despite thy ever-ready smiles.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Horrified._] Who told thee ... whence ...?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+So real and positive is my hold over thee. Just now, when thou didst
+say I raved, thou wast reflecting how thou couldst best get rid of
+me.... Thou fool; then get rid of thy wakeful nights and all that which
+thou thinkest great in thyself, the inheritance of that greater than
+thou, whom thou wilt never equal....
+
+HEROD
+
+Woman ... what ... [_his words choke in his throat._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Laughing._] Speak out what thou hast to say. If thou no longer
+needest me for love, thou mayest still require me as a listener and
+adviser.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_After he has walked up and down several times in great excitement._]
+Never resemble.... What is the man who smiles amiably in wrath? A
+coward?... What is the man, who has two faces? Insincere?... Who fawns
+on those in power. Servile? No; because the great Herod also did these
+things. But sometimes, when the blood throbbed to bursting in his
+veins, he snatched his sword from the sheath and slashed at friend and
+enemy alike who stood in his way ... till the blood of his victim
+washed him calm and cool again ... till the mighty at Rome experienced
+a thrill at such a display of strength.... I, too, feel the blood
+hammering in my veins.... I, too, would ... but I have no sword ... and
+so I must continue to smile amiably ... continue showing two faces, and
+licking the sandals of the priests.... I, the son of Herod; I, his ape!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+And suppose that the priests of the Temple adopted the attitude of
+shield and barrier betwixt thee and the fury of the people, wouldst
+thou doubt thyself less?
+
+HEROD
+
+I doubt myself not. And what thou sayest can never happen.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Goes to the middle door and opens it._]
+
+                        [_A Porteress enters._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+What tidings hast thou?
+
+THE PORTERESS
+
+The two messengers to the Temple, mistress, have come back with word
+from the High Priest.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Show them into the outer hall.... They shall wait there.
+
+                        [_Exit the Porteress._]
+
+HEROD
+
+[_With a laugh of rage and fear._] Are their trumpets already sounding
+on the road? Hath the great curse already reached the door?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou art wrong, my friend. Only a little blessing scratches at the
+door.... If it pleaseth thee, let it come in.
+
+HEROD
+
+Thou dreamest.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Listen to me! Why did I come before thee in haste to inhabit this empty
+house?... Because every hour since I came I have been negotiating with
+the priests----
+
+HEROD
+
+Thou?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+What if instead of hiding the sinning woman from the people, thou, with
+head held aloft, repairest with her to the Temple? Would it not be an
+ironical event if the High Priest, with the same air of patriarchal
+servility with which he greeted the virtuous Mariamne, also smiled a
+welcome to thy brother's runaway wife?
+
+HEROD
+
+With what sum hast thou purchased this?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+When it is given, it will be a present, not a purchase.
+
+HEROD
+
+Only one who knows not these butchers of the High Altar could believe
+you.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Well, these are the terms [_in a low voice_]. If we were to promise
+never again to aspire in Rome to the sceptre of Judea [_scoffingly_],
+then they might consider----
+
+HEROD
+
+And what answer didst thou make to such drastic, such----
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I promised.... What else should I do?... for thee, as well as myself.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Pointing to himself._] Even before this booty was thine, thou hast
+betrayed it?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I fancied that I heard thee crying out just now for a sword.
+[_Smiling._] When thou art king, thou wilt, of course, kill all whom
+thou hast promised not to be king! That is the same thing as if thou
+hadst never promised it.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Staring at her._] Woman!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Believest thou still that I hurried here only for the sake of a kiss?
+
+HEROD
+
+I shudder at thee. But even if the priests be won over, there remains
+the people, the hydra-headed; thou knowest not the people. They once,
+it is said, hurled sacrificial victims at the head of their king, they
+slew Barachia's son between the Temple and the altar. And besides, dost
+thou not know that John the Baptist is in the town?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+The Baptist! Leave the Baptist to me.
+
+HEROD
+
+I warn thee, approach him only with a weapon in thy hand!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Laughs._]
+
+
+                                SCENE VI
+
+                _The same. Jabad and several servants._
+
+JABAD
+
+Pardon, oh master, the lamb is ready.
+
+HEROD
+
+First, we will hear what the priests have to say if your mistress,
+_our_ mistress, so pleaseth.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Assents, smiling._]                               [_Exeunt all._
+
+
+                               SCENE VII
+
+        _John, Miriam_ [_come through the lower door to right_].
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Await her here, Rabbi.... What are thy commands to thy handmaiden?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Shakes his head._]
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Kisses the hem of his garment._]                         [_Exit._
+
+
+                               SCENE VIII
+
+_John_ [_left alone for a brief space_], _then Salome, and two of her
+damsels._
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Steps softly to the balustrade and gazes down on John, seeks in her
+breast for a flower, and not finding one turns back to Maecha._] Give
+me those thou wearest in thy girdle. [_She takes the roses which Maecha
+hands to her and throws them down._] He doth not see them. Bring more
+flowers, and thy harp. Stay, Maecha, or I shall be afraid. [_Exeunt the
+maids, except Maecha._] Thou fair savage, out of the wilderness of
+Judah! The fire of hate that flashes from thy eye shall not devour me!
+I will kindle another fire in it, lovely and languid like my dreams,
+when at night the perfume of the narcissi is wafted to my pillow. [_The
+maids come back._] Give them here.... Roses ... two arms' full. [_Hides
+her face in the flowers._] Now if I had narcissi, too! Nay, but tarry
+and sing the song which I taught you yesterday, the song which the
+dancers sang at Antioch. But sing softly, so that he be not shy of us.
+Where is Miriam?
+
+ABI
+
+She refuseth to come.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Between her teeth._] She refuseth! He saw the rose. He is picking it
+up ... as if he had never----There are more ... and more ... and more.
+[_She scatters the roses down on him._]
+
+SONG OF THE MAIDENS
+
+[_The following is accompanied by the harp, which, after playing a
+finale alone, dies away._]
+
+   I have entertained thee with myrrh and honey.
+   I bound sweet sandals on my feet.
+   From my waist I have loosened the girdle,
+   I have sung with the harp, thee to greet.
+   Now come, let us quench
+   The fire that consumes me ... Come!
+   Or thou from fear shalt blench.
+   For my soul will hate thee ... Come!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Has looked up astonished. The hail of flowers strikes him in the
+face. He shrinks back._] Who playeth with me?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Who has slowly descended the steps._] Master, I----
+
+JOHN
+
+Who art thou?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Coyly trifling._] I am a rose of Sharon and a flower of the valley.
+
+JOHN
+
+Then play with thy mates ... Leave me in peace ... or go and call her
+who summoned me.
+
+SALOME
+
+My mother?
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou art Salome the----
+
+SALOME
+
+Yes; I am she.
+
+JOHN
+
+Let me look into thy eyes, maiden.
+
+SALOME
+
+Look, master ... No, but not like that.... If you compellest me to put
+my hands before my face, I shall spread my fingers apart and laugh
+between them; yes, I shall laugh.
+
+JOHN
+
+Maiden, knowst thou not how abhorred this house is? Keepest thou thy
+soul innocent among the guilty?
+
+SALOME
+
+Look at me again, master.... Am I not young among the Daughters of
+Israel? And I have heard say that youth knoweth nothing of the guilty
+and of guilt. See, they keep me confined to the upper chambers. I drew
+back the bolts and crept out here, because I knew thou wert here,
+master.
+
+JOHN
+
+How can I say to the storm wind: "Pass by," and to the floods, "Swallow
+her not"?
+
+SALOME
+
+Speak on, master, even if I understand nothing thou sayest. And knowest
+thou that we are now sinning according to the Jewish "law"? Both of
+us--yea, it is true. My companions are gone; and is it not forbidden
+for a Jewish man to be alone with a virgin?
+
+JOHN
+
+I am not alone with thee. Behind us standeth the shadow of those who
+have dragged thee with them through the foul refuse of their pleasures.
+
+SALOME
+
+I have my own pleasures, master. How shall the pleasures of others
+concern me? I read once a saying that stolen fruits are sweet, and my
+nurse used to tell me that undiscovered treasure was only found by
+those who did not seek for it.... Is it not true thou hast not sought
+me?
+
+JOHN
+
+Thy converse is confused.
+
+SALOME
+
+No matter. Chide me not. Think, are not our _dreams_ confused too? When
+I flew hither with my mother, we came at night to a field of poppies.
+And the dew shone on their petals.... They looked grey, and were all
+closed up because it was night.... But now they are wide open, and I
+think my cheeks must glow red in their reflection.
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou art lovely among the daughters of Jerusalem. They will weep for
+thee.
+
+SALOME
+
+Why will they weep? Am I to be sacrificed? Not I, master. Protect me! I
+have heard of a king, master, who made a compact with the sun. Hast
+thou heard of him? [_John bows his head._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Well, I will make a compact with thee. Shall I be the sun, and thou my
+king? Or wilt thou be the sun, and I thy queen?
+
+JOHN
+
+Maiden, I cannot be either sun or king.
+
+SALOME
+
+Why not? It is only a game.
+
+JOHN
+
+A King cometh after me, but I wander in the wilderness and seek a path
+among thorns.
+
+SALOME
+
+And hast not found it?
+
+JOHN
+
+Not for myself.
+
+SALOME
+
+But for others?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_In torture, half to himself._] Who knoweth?
+
+SALOME
+
+Master, what harm shall wrath do one, who is a jubilation and a feast
+day? And if thou camest to me in flames of fire, I would not mourn my
+youth for the length of two moons.... I would stretch out my arms and
+cry, "Destroy me, flame; take me up!"
+
+JOHN
+
+[_After a pause._] Go!
+
+SALOME
+
+I am going. [_She rushes into the arms of Herodias, who enters._]
+Mother!
+
+
+                                SCENE IX
+
+                  _The same. Herodias and her women._
+
+SALOME
+
+Forgive me, mother, and let me stay with thee.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou who lookest at me so imperiously, art thou the man who stirreth up
+the people against me?
+
+JOHN
+
+I am he whom thou hast summoned.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Seating herself._] Come hither to me!
+
+JOHN
+
+Send thy women away, and this child, so that she be not corrupted ere
+she is ripe.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+But this child, companion of my fate, shall hear what thou hast to say
+to me.
+
+JOHN
+
+She should be guarded from what I have to say to thee.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Take care, prophet! At that door stand armed men, two deep. Consider
+thy danger, so that thou courtest not death!
+
+JOHN
+
+I am a servant of life, and danger never standeth in my way.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I respect thy faith, prophet, and so would speak to thee in a friendly
+spirit.... People have told me of a man who keeps far away from human
+dwellings, and only descends now and then to the banks of fresh waters
+to bless, so it is said. That pleased me well.... The great willingly
+bow to greatness ... and so I bow to thee.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_After cowering at her feet, springs up, and throws herself on her
+neck._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I will not reproach thee for denouncing me in the market-place of
+Jerusalem, for thou dost not know me.... Yet I was _not_ well pleased
+that thou didst chew the cud of wormwood, which hath embittered these
+Judean cattle against me. I should have thought thou wast too proud,
+thy solitary nature too noble!
+
+JOHN
+
+I have not come here for thy praise or thy blame. I have but a simple
+question to ask. Art thou going on the first day of the Passover to the
+Temple, at the Tetrarch's side?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Mastering her scorn with difficulty._] I perceive, thou great
+prophet, that thy wrath strains on its chain.... Before thou lettest it
+loose, permit me also to ask a question; for see, I am endeavouring to
+approach thee, and would gladly win thee. Wert thou not a riddle to me,
+I should not ask it. Yet truly no man is so curiously fashioned as not
+to cherish secret wishes in his heart. Every one hath said to himself:
+"This were my delight, and that my desire."
+
+JOHN
+
+I understand thee not.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Look round thee. Doth not the gleaming snow of marble attract thy eyes,
+nor the yellow glitter of gold?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Is silent._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Or ... hast thou never dreamed of the power and splendour and riches of
+this world?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Still silent._]
+
+Or [_pointing to Salome, who again cowers at her feet._] has thy heart
+not trembled at the sight of this sweet, unveiled youth?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_After further silence._] Thou wouldst sell thyself to me! Dost thou
+know thy own price? A grain of barley would be too dear ... for thy
+name is courtezan, and adulteress is written on thy brow.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Infuriated._] Thou--thou----
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Falling into her arms._] Mother!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Controlling herself haughtily and contemptuously._] I should have thee
+seized on the instant, only thou makest sport for me. And if not quite
+intoxicated with thy own superiority, listen to me once more. He who
+thinketh himself designed to be a judge over men should take part in
+the life of men, should be human among human beings.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Impressed._] What ... didst thou say?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+But thou seemest to me so isolated from thy fellow-men that the throb
+of a human heart itself is nothing to thee.... Thou hast avoided,
+cowardlike, all contact with sin and guilt in thy waste places, and now
+creepest forth to condemn others as guilty. The scorching winds of thy
+desert may perhaps have taught thee hate ... but what knowest thou of
+love? of those who live and die for the sake of their love?
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou too speakest of love ... thou too?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+See! I am laughing at thee, great prophet. [_She laughs._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Mother, look at him ... be silent!
+
+JOHN
+
+Thy poisoned arrows are well aimed, and hit their mark! But ...
+[_pointing to the window_] see there, the Lord's people ... they gnash
+their teeth against thee, for thou hast taken their bitter bread out of
+their mouths and dissipated their miserable joys.... Thou sayest that I
+know them not.... Yet I know their heart's desire ... for I have
+created it; I have put my life at the service of that desire, and I cry
+to thee, "Woe! thou that hast contaminated it for them.... Thou
+enervatest the strength of their young men, and exposest the shame of
+their young women. Thou sowest scoffings where I thought to reap
+faith.... And if thou bendest the High and Mighty to be the footstool
+of thy lusts, I will fling the poor and humble in thy path, that they
+may trample thee beneath their feet.... Woe to thee, and woe to him who
+shareth thy adulterous couch!... Woe, too, to this youthful body that
+cringes under the scourge of thy blood! Woe! Woe!"
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Springing up and going to the door on right._] The guards shall seize
+him.... Guards!... [_She wrenches the door open._]
+
+
+                                SCENE X
+
+                        _The same. Two guards._
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Lead this man ... . [_She hesitates as she meets John's eyes._]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Smiling._] Now, look to it, what thou dost with me!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Lead this man ... out ... into the street.... [_She staggers to the
+divan._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Thou camest in flames of fire!...
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Walks to the door._]
+
+                         [_The Curtain falls._]
+
+
+
+
+                               THIRD ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               THIRD ACT
+
+_A room in Josaphat's house. In the background a door, which leads into
+the street. Near it a barred window. On the left side is a door to
+another living room. A door also on the right. In the foreground to
+left a cobbler's tools. Towards centre, a table and two or three
+benches. To the right, a couch, a small table, and chair beside it. The
+room is poor, but not bare; lighted by two clay lamps._
+
+
+                                SCENE I
+
+JAEL [_With a child at her breast._]
+
+[_Two other children and several women standing near door on left
+listening to a psalm sung by men's voices, which is heard in subdued
+strains coming through the door._]
+
+THE BOY
+
+What are they singing now, mother?
+
+JAEL
+
+[_Pale and troubled._] They sing the great Hallelujah, my child.
+
+THE BOY
+
+Is the prophet singing with them, mother?
+
+JAEL
+
+That I cannot hear, my child. [_Two more women come through middle
+door._]
+
+FIRST WOMAN
+
+Jael, we have heard that the Great Prophet eateth the passover in thy
+house. Wilt thou permit us to see him?
+
+JAEL
+
+Come in!
+
+ONE OF THE OTHER WOMEN
+
+That is he, the last there on the left.
+
+FIRST WOMAN
+
+He that sitteth there looking so heavy of spirit?
+
+THE SECOND WOMAN
+
+I should be frightened of him. [_The singing has meanwhile ceased._]
+
+FIRST WOMAN
+
+They say that he hath come into the town to judge Herodias. Is that so,
+Jael?
+
+JAEL
+
+I know not.
+
+THE BOY
+
+Mother, see, they are now drinking the fourth goblet. They will be here
+directly.
+
+FIRST WOMAN
+
+Hath he spoken a blessing over the fourth goblet?
+
+SECOND WOMAN
+
+No; Josaphat spake it.
+
+FIRST WOMAN
+
+See, they are standing up!
+
+ANOTHER
+
+Are they coming hither, Jael?
+
+JAEL
+
+That is the couch on which he will rest.
+
+SEVERAL
+
+Then farewell, Jael.
+
+JAEL
+
+Farewell! [_They hurry out._]
+
+
+                                SCENE II
+
+           _Jael with her children. John, Josaphat, Amarja._
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Here thou wilt be alone, Rabbi. The others remain outside.
+
+JOHN
+
+Accept my thanks, Josaphat.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Mine, too, Josaphat.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Thank him, Amarja, for eating with us. [_While John seats himself, he
+says, sotto voce, to Amarja_] Come! [_Observes Jael, who has been
+standing at the door unnoticed._] Jael, thou here, and the children?
+
+JOHN
+
+Is that thy wife, Josaphat?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Yes, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+And thy children?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Yes, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou hast never told me of these.... Is thy name Jael? He called thee
+so.
+
+JAEL
+
+Yes, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+Why comest thou not nearer?
+
+THE BOY
+
+We are afraid of thee, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Smiling._] Why are you afraid?
+
+THE BOY
+
+I do not know.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Forgive him, Rabbi ... he ...
+
+JOHN
+
+Josaphat, wilt thou entrust them to me for a few minutes?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Bows his head, signs to Amarja, and goes away with him to the
+right._]
+
+
+                               SCENE III
+
+                      _John, Jael, the children._
+
+JOHN
+
+Thy eyes have a sad look, Jael. Is thy heart troubled?
+
+JAEL
+
+Kneel down, Baruch, my son. Kneel down, both.
+
+THE BOY
+
+[_Half crying._] Mother!
+
+JOHN
+
+What is it, Jael?
+
+JAEL
+
+[_To the children._] Say: Prithee, Rabbi?
+
+THE CHILDREN
+
+Prithee, Rabbi.
+
+JAEL
+
+And this little one prayeth, too, though not old enough to pray....
+
+JOHN
+
+For what?
+
+JAEL
+
+That thou wouldest give them back their father; for see, they have no
+bread.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Lifting the children from their knees._] Just now we ate of the lamb
+in thy house, and thou sayest "we have no bread"?
+
+JAEL
+
+I do not speak of to-day; to-day the poorest have something to eat.
+Thou art truly a great prophet, Rabbi, and thou givest much to the
+people; but from us--from me and these little children--thou takest
+away all that we have.
+
+JOHN
+
+How could I do that, Jael?
+
+JAEL
+
+See; for a long time my husband goeth out every night to thee in the
+wilderness, and then the tools lie there idle, and we starve. But
+willingly would we starve and die of hunger for him, if thou hadst not
+estranged his heart from us, and stolen his love for thyself.
+
+JOHN
+
+Art thou, too, one of those who say, Greater than the law and sacrifice
+is love?
+
+JAEL
+
+[_Anxiously._] I did not say that, Rabbi.... Thou wouldst not get me
+into trouble with the priests?
+
+JOHN
+
+But thou thinkst so in thy heart!
+
+JAEL
+
+Rabbi!
+
+JOHN
+
+Hadst thou come to me in my wilderness, I would have shown thee the way
+to One Who shall bring food to the hungry. Here, I am powerless. Go; I
+have nothing to do with thee!
+
+JAEL
+
+[_Goes with the children to the door,_]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Makes a movement as if he would call her back._]
+
+JAEL
+
+Rabbi!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Shakes his head._]
+
+                   [_Exit Jael, with the children._]
+
+
+                                SCENE IV
+
+                       _John, Josaphat, Amarja._
+
+JOHN
+
+Josaphat, how long have I known thee?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+It is two years since I came to thy baptism.
+
+JOHN
+
+And since, thou hast been often?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Have I not always been with thee, Rabbi?
+
+JOHN
+
+I never knew that thou wast a cobbler ... and that thy children cried
+for bread! It seems to me that I do not know thee even yet, Josaphat.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Thou knowest what is best in me, for thou hast given it to me!
+
+JOHN
+
+So, then, I know myself alone. And of thee, too, Amarja, I know no
+more.... Only this I know. [_Gazing into vacancy._] I am sent----
+[_Breaks off._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Rabbi!
+
+JOHN
+
+Some one hath said to me that I knew ye not; one of those who have the
+word "love" on their tongues.... And I am inclined to believe her....
+But even if I have known you, I have not desired to love you, but
+rather to judge you in the name of---- In whose name? Know ye the rest?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+In the name of Him Who shall come. So thou hast taught us, master.
+
+JOHN
+
+Sooner would I talk to these black walls, that they might perhaps fall;
+sooner to thy hungry children, that my words might fill them. But the
+belief that looketh up to me, transfigured because it believeth....
+That hurts me.
+
+AMARJA
+
+[_Low to Josaphat._] It is now the second hour. Wilt thou not mention
+Herod to him?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_As Josaphat comes nearer to him._] I sent the youngest of you to
+search for the Galilean. Where is he?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+He has not yet come back, master.
+
+JOHN
+
+May be he has lost the way.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+I told him where to come to, master.
+
+JOHN
+
+I want the Galilean.... Ye shall procure me the Galilean.... See ye not
+that my strength rests in my King ... Even if I serve Him like an
+unworthy vessel ... I serve Him according to my measure.... I have
+borne witness to Him.... Is that not true?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Thou hast borne witness, indeed, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+But the testimony hath grown up in my soul. When He comes, will He bear
+it out?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+He will, master; for God sendeth Him.
+
+JOHN
+
+Else my soul hath not known Him, even as it hath not known you. Have ye
+no news of Manassa? Go and keep watch outside, that he doth not miss
+the house.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+That will be he! [_Goes to open the door._]
+
+
+                                SCENE V
+
+                         _The same. Matthias._
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Thou, Matthias? Hast thou not seen Manassa?
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+No. Rabbi, I come to thee in the night because of Herod.
+
+JOHN
+
+Because of Herod? [_Seats himself with head turned away._]
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+I sent spies to the Palace up till the time of the Passover Feast. The
+priests were coming to and fro. What their business was no one knows.
+And if he cometh now to the morning sacrifice at eight of the clock, as
+is his custom on high festivals ... and comes with that woman ...
+flaunting his sin in the face of the people.... Rabbi, speak! What
+then?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Does not answer,_]
+
+AMARJA
+
+He hears thee not.
+
+JOSAPHAT.
+
+He is thinking of the Galilean.
+
+JOHN
+
+I heard some one here speak of sin. Know ye in what raiment sin clothes
+itself gorgeously when it goeth abroad among the people? Say
+courtliness, say hate, say what ye will, and I shall laugh at you.
+Hear, and mark well. They call it love. Everything that is small, and
+stoops because it is small, that throws crumbs from its table in order
+not to throw bread; that covers up graves that they may stink secretly;
+that hews off the thumb of the left hand that it may have nothing to
+say to the thumb of the right; take care; all that is called love. And
+they call it love when in spring the ass brays and the dogs whine; when
+a woman herself gathers together the stones whereon to rest with her
+lover in the evening, stones which in the morning the people will hurl
+at her, and the woman speaketh: "See beloved, how sweet is our couch."
+... They call this love.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+[_After exchanging a look with Josaphat._] Rabbi, forgive us, but the
+people are waiting for thee. The many who desert their beds, expectant
+of the morrow, think only of one thing--judgment! The judgment of
+Herod.
+
+JOHN
+
+Judgment of Herod--well.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+And thou shalt judge him. No one else but thou?
+
+JOHN
+
+I shall judge him.
+
+MATTHIAS.
+
+Him and the woman?
+
+JOHN
+
+Him and the woman. Did ye doubt?
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+If we did, forgive.
+
+AMARJA
+
+But suppose he comes without the woman. What would happen then?
+
+JOHN
+
+Ye ask so much. Ye and your questions become wearisome. Hark! There is
+Manassa. [_Josaphat opens._]
+
+
+                                SCENE VI
+
+                         _The former. Miriam._
+
+JOHN
+
+Miriam, thou? What desirest thou of me?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Breathless._] I flew from the Palace.... The guards have chased
+me.... Perhaps what I know ... may be of use to thee.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Speak, Miriam!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+If the master will hear. With ye others I have nothing to do.
+
+JOHN
+
+I will listen, Miriam.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+A rumour has reached the Tetrarch that the people are plotting evil
+against him. He would on that account hide the woman, but she will not
+be hid. She will defy the master, because he hath offended her. An
+order is just gone forth for all the servants of the house to arm
+themselves and line the road. Even during the night, so that the
+procession shall pass to the Temple ere the great crowd assembleth.
+Thus they think to escape the people's wrath and thine, master.
+
+THE DISCIPLES
+
+That shall not come to pass; verily it shall not.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Hast thou learned, Miriam, by which of the outer gates they go to the
+Temple?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+By the Susan Gate. I heard the servants say, as I crept by.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+And will the Roman soldiers be amongst them?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+That I did not hear.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+For if the Romans accompany them, we must wait behind the second gate;
+there where no heathen may penetrate at the cost of his head.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+On the other hand, they can there be saved by the priests.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Certainly, there the priests---- Master, what is thy counsel?
+
+JOHN
+
+I counsel you to go forth into the streets, and to seek right and left.
+I would learn from that Galilean what counsel I ought to give you.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+Canst thou understand him?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+I would liefer not understand him.
+
+               [_Exeunt Josaphat, Matthias, and Amarja._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VII
+
+                            _John, Miriam._
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Shrinks against the wall near the door and looks shyly across at
+John, who broods with his back turned to her._]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Suddenly noticing her._] Thou, Miriam, art still here?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Forgive me, master. I am a little afraid; for if I go homewards the
+guards at the gate will seize me.
+
+JOHN
+
+But thou camest to me in the wilderness at night?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Then no one knew with whom I associated, master.
+
+JOHN
+
+Who art thou? Tell me about thyself. Who is thy father?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I have no father--and no mother. The country is full of orphans like
+me. There are far too many. I have never asked anyone why.
+
+JOHN
+
+And why didst thou go to the Palace as serving maid?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+They say that I once sat and played with pebbles on the threshold. And
+when evening came, they took me in. Since then I have belonged to the
+Palace, and know no better.
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou servest me with zeal, Miriam. Why dost thou serve me?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I know not why.
+
+JOHN
+
+And thou servest me to no purpose--knowest thou that?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Bows her head._]
+
+JOHN
+
+Will they not punish thee?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_With a shudder._] They will ... I....
+
+JOHN
+
+Speak!
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Master, what does it matter?
+
+JOHN
+
+Miriam, is it also He Who shall come that thou servest?
+
+MIRIAM
+
+I cannot tell, master. When I see thee, I feel a longing for Him....
+But if thou speakest to me of Him, I see only thee.
+
+JOHN
+
+Ye children of men ... there is a rushing as of many waters in your
+souls.... Clear and muddy ... I shall gather all together in one great
+river, and I feel as if I should drown therein.
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Master, now I must go. Whether or no I served thee to no purpose, be
+gracious. Praise me, master.
+
+JOHN
+
+I see thee sitting on the threshold again ... playing with thy life,
+and thou excitest my pity. ... Go, maid! Go, child! and [_He listens._]
+
+MIRIAM
+
+Master!
+
+
+                               SCENE VIII
+
+           _The former. Josaphat, Matthias, Amarja, Manassa._
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Going forward to him._] Where is the Galilean?
+
+MANASSA
+
+I have sought Him, master, from the hour thou sentest me till past
+midnight. I have not rested nor tasted a crumb.
+
+JOHN
+
+The Galilean? Hast thou found Him?
+
+MANASSA
+
+I found him. He lay stretched out on the stones in charge of the
+soldiers, and near him, in chains, was his murderer.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Who, on the holy eve of the Passover----?
+
+MANASSA
+
+They called him David the Zealot. The Galileans blaspheme God, he hath
+said, and therefore must this one die.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+It is true; he did blaspheme God.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+He blasphemed God!
+
+JOHN
+
+But I say unto you ... To him it was not blasphemy. To him it was
+worship. Methinks more such men will come out of Galilee. For there is
+an uprising there.... Tell me, Josaphat, do not many pilgrims sleep on
+the stones at night, nigh the doors of the Temple?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Yes, Rabbi. On starry nights, like these, many a one wraps himself in
+his blanket and tarries by the House of the Lord.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_In sudden decision._] It is well.                        [_Exit._
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+Rabbi!
+
+AMARJA
+
+Hath he deserted us?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Be not troubled! Thou, Amarja, wake our friends. Thou, Manassa, bring
+us tidings from the Palace. We two will follow the master. Meet us at
+the Susan Gate, at the place where the old beggar-woman sits. Come!
+[_Exeunt the men._]
+
+MIRIAM
+
+[_Who has stood unheeded, goes out with bowed head._]
+
+
+                            CHANGE OF SCENE
+
+_A stone square before the open gate of the Temple called the Susan
+Gate. The front of the stage is enclosed by the circuit of the outer
+wall. In the centre more than half the breadth of the stage is taken up
+by the massive doors of the gate, to which steps lead. It is night. The
+fire of the great sacrificial altar is reflected from the background on
+the walls, and fills the foreground with red, uncertain flickering
+glow._
+
+
+                                SCENE X
+
+_Pilgrims_ (_men and women_) _lie in their blankets, scattered about
+the steps and on the stones which fill the space on left side. Among
+them the First Galilean and Second Galilean. To the right of the path
+which leads outside the wall of the Temple, across the stage, lies
+Mesulemeth_. (_In a little while enter John from left._)
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Looks round searchingly, and pauses before a pilgrim who is sleeping
+on the steps._] Pilgrim, awake!
+
+PILGRIM
+
+It is not yet day. Why dost thou wake me?
+
+JOHN
+
+Whence comest thou? Art thou a Galilean?
+
+PILGRIM
+
+I come from Gaza on the south-east coast. Let me sleep.
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+[_To first._] Didst hear? Some one there is talking of Galileans.
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Sleep, and let them talk.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Walks on, and then pauses in front of Mesulemeth._] Thou who liest
+here by the way, be thou man or woman, wake up!
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Why dost thou not step over me, as every one does in Jerusalem?
+
+JOHN
+
+Dost thou lie here always in the road?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+I lie here always. For I must be at the Temple. Day and night I must be
+at the Temple.
+
+JOHN
+
+Art thou not greedy for alms?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+[_Shaking her head._] The little I want, the pilgrims give me. But hast
+thou never heard of Hannah, the prophetess?
+
+JOHN
+
+I have heard speak of her, when I was a child.
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Well, this is her place. Here she sat and waited for the Messiah, forty
+years long. When she died she left the place to me ... And now I sit
+and wait till He comes again.
+
+JOHN
+
+Comes again? Hath He then been already?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Certainly He hath.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_In deep emotion._] He came? Came even to thee?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+To me? No. If He had come to me, I should have been at rest long ago.
+But Hannah ... She saw Him when He came.
+
+JOHN
+
+Woman! I implore thee ... Speak, tell me, how did He come?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Then sit down here beside me, so that I may speak low.... Once a little
+lad was brought to the Temple by his mother, to be circumcised. And
+there was one called Simeon who, when he saw this boy-babe, was filled
+with the Holy Ghost, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant
+depart in peace, for his eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast
+prepared for all nations." ... And Hannah heard this, and she came up
+to them and recognised Him?
+
+JOHN
+
+How did she recognise Him?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Did I not tell thee that she was a prophetess? Otherwise she might not
+have recognised Him. But as it was, she praised the Lord, and laid
+herself down and died. So now I sit where she sat, and wait for Him to
+come again.
+
+JOHN
+
+Verily, He must come again; and dost thou know, woman, how He will
+come? As the Lord of Hosts, arrayed in golden armour, with His sword
+drawn above His head, so He will come to save His people Israel. He
+will trample His enemies under His horse's hoofs, but the youth of
+Israel shall greet Him with hosannas and jubilation. See, woman, that
+is how He will come!
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+[_Anxiously._] Who art thou, stranger? Dost thou imagine thyself to be
+the prophet of anyone?
+
+JOHN
+
+It matters not who I am, if thou art prepared for my message.
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Thou canst take thy message further. I will not have it.
+
+JOHN
+
+What! Thou wilt not have the Messiah?
+
+MESULEMETH
+
+Not that one. I will not have that one. For many have come in golden
+armour, and have drawn their sword, and then Israel hath bled after,
+like a sacrificial ox. _He_ shall be no king! No! When kings come, they
+come to kings! No one hath come, as yet to us, the poor---- Go away,
+stranger, lest thou snatch from me my crumb of hope. Begone, thou art a
+false prophet!... Go, let me lie on the road! [_She sinks back._]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_To himself._] False prophet!
+
+
+                                SCENE XI
+
+           _The same. Josaphat, Matthias_. [_From the left._]
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+See, he is there!
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Rabbi, forgive us for following thee hither----
+
+JOHN
+
+It is not yet dawn.... At this hour ye have nothing to claim from
+me----
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+But, remember Herod----
+
+JOHN
+
+Why stir ye up so much dust? This puny Herod, who runs after women, is
+not my business.
+
+JOSAPHAT AND MATTHIAS
+
+[_Exchange dismayed glances._]
+
+JOHN
+
+Go, find me Galileans! Wake those who sleep on the steps, ransack the
+houses if necessary. Only bring me Galileans, that I may question them.
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+Hearest thou? Some one standeth there, clamouring for Galileans!
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+I thought I dreamt it. Thou, who wilt not let us sleep, what dost thou
+want with us Galileans?
+
+JOHN
+
+Stand up and come to me!
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+Goest thou?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+He must be great in Israel, otherwise he would not command.
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+Yes, yes; thou art right. [_They both stand up._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Rabbi----[_John signs to him with his hand to be silent._]
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Now, here we are.
+
+JOHN
+
+Who are ye? Whence do ye come?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+We are fishermen from the Sea of Galilee. My name is Ram, and that is
+my brother-in-law, and he is called Abia. And we both fish with the
+same net. Is it not so?
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+Yes; we both fish with the same net.
+
+JOHN
+
+And tell me, ye two men, have ye ever heard of a prophet that teacheth
+in Galilee?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+A prophet! Hast thou heard of a prophet, Abia?
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+I have heard of no prophet.
+
+JOHN
+
+Not ... of one who saith ... He is the Son of God?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Ah, thou meanest Jesus of Nazareth?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_In great agitation, scarcely audible._] Jesus of Nazareth!
+
+JOSAPHAT AND MATTHIAS.
+
+[_Awed._] Jesus of Nazareth!
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou spakest His name first. Fear sealed my lips. But now thou hast
+said it. Yes, I mean Him.
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Yes ... I know His father well. He is an honest carpenter, and very
+pious too. He well deserves that his son should be a joy to him.
+
+JOHN
+
+Tell me more of Him.
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+He put up a bedstead for a friend of mine.
+
+JOHN
+
+Tell me of the son.
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Ah, the son. Well, Abia, what shall we say of the son?
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+Aye, what shall we say of the son?
+
+JOHN
+
+Hast thou ever seen Him?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Oh, yes.
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou hast seen Him?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Many a time ... from my ship. For He carries on His work on the shore.
+And there is always a great gathering along the banks, is there not,
+Abia?
+
+SECOND GALILEAN
+
+Yes, the banks are always quite black with people. And the fish take
+notice of it. That is not good for our trade.
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+They say that He works miracles. I once met a man myself who had
+been blind till his--I forget what year--and he maintained that
+he was made to see again by spittle from His mouth ... It may be
+possible--but----[_Laughs stupidly._]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_To Josaphat._] Have not many said of me, that I work miracles?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Many say it, but we know it, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+Indeed? I have seen no miracle but the power ... and no one to whom it
+hath happened, save the weak. But speak on, man.
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+It may be all very well for Him to heal the sick, but the worst of it
+is He doeth it on the Sabbath. That is bad, bad! And then, His friends
+are not well chosen. Circumspect people, naturally, are not disposed to
+mix with Him. For how can one trust a man who sitteth at meat with
+publicans and sinners? And, then, He is always at weddings and feasts.
+Ah! No, no.
+
+JOHN
+
+At feasts?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Master, these are little people. They understand not the wisdom of
+cunning speech.
+
+JOHN
+
+The great should carry the little with them, the wise should master
+these simple intellects. That he hath not done.... And what is it He
+teacheth?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Ah, what does He teach? All sorts of folly. For instance, that we
+should love our enemies.
+
+JOHN
+
+Love our enemies?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+And bless them that curse us ... and pray for them that persecute us.
+
+JOHN
+
+Pray for them that persecute us?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+Yes; and more nonsense of the kind. Also that----
+
+CALL
+
+[_From the roof of the Temple._] It groweth light towards Hebron.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Eagerly._] Why dost thou not proceed?
+
+FIRST GALILEAN
+
+[_Rising._] It is now time for morning prayer.
+
+CALL
+
+[_More distant._] It groweth light towards Hebron. [_All stand up and
+begin to pray, their faces turned towards the Temple._]
+
+CALL
+
+[_Quite distant._] It groweth light towards Hebron.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Baffled and tormented._] Towards Hebron it groweth light.
+
+
+                               SCENE XII
+
+[_The great gates are slowly opened, displaying marble walls, mounting
+in terraces, behind which are two more gates. The Temple-building
+itself is almost completely hidden by smoke from the great lighted
+sacrificial altar, which bounds the perspective. From the mountains
+behind the Temple are heard the long-drawn notes of the silver
+trumpets. People begin to stream up._]
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+[_Has gone to Josaphat's side and speaks to him privately, then turns
+to John, who stands alone on the left._] Master, the people are
+flocking to the Temple.... In a few moments the Tetrarch will certainly
+be there too, with the woman. Wilt thou not step among them, that they
+may know their leader?
+
+JOHN
+
+The image of my King shining in the radiance of the cherubim. Where is
+it? Where is the rainbow of seven colours that was round His head?
+Seven torches burned by His throne. I see them no more!
+
+
+                               SCENE XIII
+
+                          _The same. Manassa._
+
+MANASSA
+
+[_Hurrying up from left._] Matthias, Josaphat, where is the master?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Herod has come forth from his door?
+
+MANASSA
+
+[_Assents._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+With the woman?
+
+MANASSA
+
+With the woman.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Master [_as he heeds not_], Master----
+
+JOHN
+
+What is it?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Herod is on the way.
+
+JOHN
+
+Who is Herod?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Buries his face in his hands._]
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+[_To Manassa._] Had he the Roman soldiers with him?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Only his servants are with him.
+
+MATTHIAS
+
+Hearest thou, master? He is delivered into our hands.
+
+
+                               SCENE XIV
+
+           _The same. Amarja; with a fresh crowd of people._
+
+AMARJA
+
+[_Calling._] John, where is John?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_With resolution._] Here is John.
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Hear and murmur, joyously._] See, there is John!
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Hear all of you! Go not past; and thou over there mayest speak. The
+master will listen unto thee.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Herod is coming to the Temple, wearing princely robes. At his side,
+sparkling with precious stones, walks the courtezan.
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Break out into cries of anger._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Master, thy hour is come; mount the steps and speak to them!
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Pressing round._] John, speak--Rabbi, speak--What shall we do?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Keep back! He will speak to you. [_Sotto voce._] Mount the steps!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Walks as if in a dream towards the steps._]
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Murmuring._] See! He sways. What aileth him?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Make haste. Speak!
+
+CALL
+
+Here is Herod. Here cometh Herod!
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+Stone him! Stone the courtezan!
+
+OTHERS
+
+Look at John! Do what John does, else are ye lost.
+
+
+                                SCENE XV
+
+          _The same. Herod, Herodias, with train from right._
+
+JOHN
+
+[_John has mounted the steps and stands in the middle of the
+threshold._]
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Pale, but smiling._] Hearest thou what they cry?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Have him seized, else it means death to you and to me.
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+[_Are silent and tense in expectation. Most of them have picked up
+stones._]
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Who stands to the left of John on a lower step, hands him a stone,
+and says in a low voice._] Take this stone! [_More urgently._] Take
+this stone!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Takes the stone._]
+
+HEROD
+
+Thou on the steps. Knowest thou me not?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Whispers._] Hurl the stone!
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Firmly._] In the name of Him [_He is about to throw the stone, then
+pauses, half-questioning, half-swooning._] ... Who ... commands me ...
+to love thee----[_A low moaning runs through the people._]
+
+TWO SERVANTS
+
+[_Have approached John. They seize him and push him down from the
+Temple steps._]
+
+HEROD AND HERODIAS
+
+[_Walk up._]
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+Woe to us! He too hath forsaken us. Woe, woe!
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_To John, who is pinioned by the servants._] Master, what hast thou
+done to us?
+
+THE PEOPLE
+
+Woe! Woe!
+
+                         [_The curtain falls._]
+
+
+
+
+                               FOURTH ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               FOURTH ACT
+
+_A town in Galilee.... The stage represents a grass-grown prison-yard
+which, on the right side, is adjacent to the gardens of a Herodian
+Palace, divided from them by a low wall, which continues in a
+right-hand direction to the centre of background. On the left side of
+background a higher wall, and entrance with heavy doors. To the left,
+the clumsy pile of the prison buildings and a door. In the garden wall
+is a gate, over which hangs the green foliage of the garden beyond,
+which bounds the right side of background. On the right is a
+semi-circular shaped marble seat with back; on left, stones covered
+with moss._
+
+
+                                SCENE I
+
+                             _Gaoler, Abi._
+
+ABI
+
+[_With head thrust over the garden wall._] Master Gaoler, dost thou not
+hear?
+
+GAOLER
+
+What wilt thou?
+
+ABI
+
+A ball went over the wall. Hast thou seen it?
+
+GAOLER
+
+No.
+
+ABI
+
+Please look for it, and throw it back.
+
+GAOLER
+
+Look for it thyself.
+
+ABI
+
+How can I, unless thou openest the gate.
+
+GAOLER
+
+I may not open it. Let me be.
+
+ABI
+
+Listen, Gaoler. The ball belongs to Salome, our young Princess. If thou
+art not obliging, beware!
+
+GAOLER
+
+Oh, if it belongs to the young Princess----[_Opens the gate._]
+
+
+                                SCENE II
+
+             _The Gaoler, Abi, Maecha, and later, Salome._
+
+ABI
+
+[_Calls back, laughing._] Mistress, the door is open.
+
+GAOLER
+
+Is that the young Princess, who is daughter of his new wife?
+
+ABI
+
+[_Nods._]
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Appears in the gateway._]
+
+GAOLER
+
+Princess, if ever thou comest through again, be sure to laugh, as
+to-day. For this gate is full of danger for Herod's children.
+
+SALOME
+
+What does it do to Herod's children, thy gate?
+
+GAOLER
+
+The two sons of Herod the Great came through this gate before they were
+sentenced, and through this gate----
+
+MAECHA
+
+Stop!...
+
+SALOME
+
+Let him alone, Maecha! His wisdom has taken a holiday. Hast thou no
+livelier stories, old man?
+
+GAOLER
+
+What sort dost thou mean, young Princess?
+
+SALOME
+
+Stories of yesterday. Stories that have not yet come to an end--stories
+that are as young [_stretches herself_] as we are.
+
+GAOLER
+
+Ah, I knew; but----
+
+SALOME
+
+But? Tell me, hast thou a new prisoner?
+
+GAOLER
+
+Yes.
+
+SALOME
+
+What has he done?
+
+GAOLER
+
+[_Maliciously._] He stole hens, young Princess.
+
+SALOME
+
+See to it that thou dost not steal my time!
+
+ABI
+
+[_Softly to him._] With her there is no jesting.
+
+GAOLER
+
+Princess, forgive.... I did not know.... Thou meanest, perhaps, John?
+
+SALOME
+
+Which John?
+
+GAOLER
+
+The one they call the Baptist--the Prophet from Judea, who----
+
+SALOME
+
+So he is here?
+
+GAOLER
+
+Yes; he has been here the last three days, Princess. They brought him
+at the end of the same cavalcade which brought thee. He lieth now safe
+with the salamanders and scorpions. They say he stirred up rebellion in
+Jerusalem, and therefore----
+
+SALOME
+
+I wish to see John. Bring him here!
+
+GAOLER
+
+[_Horrified._] Princess, that cannot be.
+
+SALOME
+
+I wish it! Hast thou not heard? I wish it!
+
+GAOLER
+
+Princess, I opened this gate for thee because thou hadst lost a
+plaything. Shall I now, instead of thy plaything, lose this old head?
+
+MAECHA
+
+Mistress, the Tetrarch is coming.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Veiling herself._] Hide yourselves! [_She stoops behind the seat;
+the maidens slip into the bushes._]
+
+              [_In the gateway Herod and his attendants._]
+
+
+                               SCENE III
+
+           _The same. Herod, Merokles, Jabad, Gabalos._
+
+HEROD
+
+Gaoler!
+
+GAOLER
+
+Sire.
+
+HEROD
+
+Who are the three men who linger about the door? They look morose, and
+did not salute me.
+
+GAOLER
+
+Sire, those are the remnant of the crew which followed John, they say,
+from Jerusalem. For eight days and eight nights they followed him.
+
+HEROD
+
+The remnant, sayest thou? Where are the rest?
+
+GAOLER
+
+They lie somewhere by the wayside, Sire, and die of thirst, unless the
+ravens give them to drink.
+
+HEROD
+
+Drive them away!
+
+GAOLER
+
+Sire, we have hunted them off several times; but they always come back.
+
+HEROD
+
+So, let them be.
+
+MEROKLES
+
+See, how mild is our ruler! He doth not order them to be cut in pieces.
+
+JABAD
+
+Hail to our Ruler! [_The two others join in._]
+
+HEROD
+
+To speak candidly, friends, I do not lay hands on sages and fools
+willingly; for one can never know whether the executioner holds up the
+head of a sage or a fool.
+
+GABALOS
+
+Thou canst do no wrong, Sire; for thou art wise, all-wise!
+
+HEROD
+
+When I order thee to be beheaded, I shall not be wrong; for thou art a
+fool, a complete fool. [_Nearing the seat._] Bring me----[_Observes
+Salome, who, listening, has raised her head a little above the edge of
+the seat, then quickly dives down again._] I beg you to retire, and
+await me without the gate.
+
+                              [_Exeunt Gabalos, Merokles, Jabad._]
+
+
+                                SCENE IV
+
+             _Herod, Salome. Also Abi and Maecha, hidden._
+
+HEROD
+
+Tell me, thou veiled one, art thou not Salome, my wife's daughter?
+
+SALOME
+
+Sire, so true as 'tis that thou art my protector I am Salome.
+
+HEROD
+
+How camest thou into this prison-yard?
+
+SALOME
+
+Ask me not, Sire. My soul else will blush before thee. It was
+curiosity, because I heard thee coming.
+
+HEROD
+
+And where are thy playmates?
+
+SALOME
+
+They are afraid of thee, so they have crept away. Abi, Maecha, come
+forth; our master commands it. [_Abi and Maecha come out hesitatingly,
+and curtsey profoundly._]
+
+HEROD
+
+Thy eyes plead for them, therefore they shall not be scolded.
+
+SALOME
+
+And my lips thank thee on their behalf.
+
+HEROD
+
+They thank like conquerors. There is music in them. How is it, Salome,
+that I have never heard thy voice?
+
+SALOME
+
+Thou shouldst ask my mother, Sire.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Fiercely._] Thy mother! Still, I know that thou art well disposed
+towards me. Thou didst deliver into my hand that maid who carried on
+treason at night outside the Palace.
+
+SALOME
+
+Could I do less, Sire? And him to whom she betrayed thy secrets, wilt
+thou not punish him too?
+
+HEROD
+
+I do not know. But how?
+
+SALOME
+
+Sire, it seemeth to me that he hath a great following among the people.
+If thou sparest him, the people will like thee.
+
+HEROD
+
+Words of wisdom fall from thy lips, Salome.
+
+SALOME
+
+See how his disciples tarry at the entrance. If thou treatest him well,
+they will carry praises of thee to Jerusalem.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+How unlike thou art to thy mother, Salome!
+
+SALOME
+
+And how like, too!
+
+HEROD
+
+I would rather think that thou wert unlike. My sweet, unveil thyself.
+
+SALOME
+
+Sire, if thou wert my father! But thou art not. Directly thou comest
+near, my mother herself draweth my veil down deep over my breast.
+
+HEROD
+
+Unveil to me.
+
+SALOME
+
+Sire, not when I am alone with thee.
+
+HEROD
+
+Then if I was with others, thou wouldst?
+
+SALOME
+
+Perhaps. Ask my mother.
+
+HEROD
+
+A little now. Just a finger's length.
+
+SALOME
+
+No, really ... it is not seemly, Sire.
+
+HEROD
+
+But if I were sitting with other men ... at meat ... or over wine ...
+and thou camest and unveiled, that would be more seemly?
+
+SALOME
+
+May be!... I can dance, Sire.
+
+HEROD
+
+Wouldst thou do that for me also?
+
+SALOME
+
+And what wouldst thou do for me?
+
+HEROD
+
+Salome!
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Rising._] No, but thou must indeed ask my mother, Sire. I am still
+far too ignorant; I know not what a maiden ought to do. Only what I
+would like to do. I know that well enough.
+
+HEROD
+
+What wouldst thou _like_ to do?
+
+SALOME
+
+Thy pleasure, Sire. Nothing else, nothing. Seest thou, if thou treatest
+this prisoner humanely, they will sing thy praises, and I shall be so
+proud, I shall say in my heart, He acted on my advice.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_To the gaoler._] Bring the Baptist here.... I will consider it,
+Salome.
+
+                                                   [_Exit Gaoler._
+
+SALOME
+
+[_From the gate, with a slight fluttering of her veil._] And I will
+thank thee, Sire!
+
+HEROD
+
+Salome!
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Vanishes, with a burst of laughter. Abi and Maecha have preceded
+her._]
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Looks after her, and then sits down on the seat._]
+
+
+                                SCENE V
+
+                  _Herod, John. The Gaoler. A Guard._
+
+HEROD
+
+Tell me, how should one address thee when one would show thee respect?
+Thou thinkest that I mock thee? But knowest thou that in reality I am
+indebted to thee? The people's meditated attack was not hidden from me,
+and yet I came without the escort of warriors which Rome sent for my
+protection. Thou heldest me in the hollow of thy hand, as thou heldest
+the stone. Say, why didst thou let it fall? Why hast thou spared me?
+
+JOHN
+
+Sire, even if I spoke thou wouldst not understand me.
+
+HEROD
+
+That is defiance, which I cannot praise. In chains it is easy to be
+defiant. Take off his chains and go. [_The Gaoler obeys. Exit with the
+guard._] Now, as a free man, revile me. Art thou a preacher of
+repentance? If so, preach to me!
+
+JOHN
+
+Sire, thou wouldst not understand me.
+
+HEROD
+
+So thou saidst before. Think of something new. Here in Galilee I am
+inclined to be mild and tolerant of goodness. I am told that thou
+hatest the Pharisees. I hate them too. I am told that thou hatest the
+priests. I love them not. I am told that thou hatest the Romans.
+I---- Say, why didst thou spare me?
+
+JOHN
+
+Sire, my heart failed me.
+
+HEROD
+
+Failed thee! Before me, whom thou callest "the little"! Art thou
+flattering me because I have loosened thee from thy chains?
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou hast not laid me in chains, and canst not loosen me from them.
+
+HEROD
+
+What ... and yet I made thee falter?
+
+JOHN
+
+It was Another who threw thee in my way.... And so my heart failed me.
+
+HEROD
+
+Tell me, Baptist--I call thee by the name I have heard people speak of
+thee by, and I hope thou wilt not be angry--tell me, Who is that King
+of the Jews whose image thou danglest before the people?... See, the
+guards are gone, and thy confidence shall be rewarded. Tell me, who is
+it?
+
+JOHN
+
+Sire, I know not.
+
+HEROD
+
+And so thou deniest thy own creature?
+
+JOHN
+
+What is my own I deny.
+
+HEROD
+
+Ha, ha, ha! I have half a mind to summon my little Greek that he may go
+to school under thee. Listen [_in a low voice_], I too have heard of a
+King of the Jews who will come with a sword drawn above his head, and
+he will spare no one who doth not serve him at the right moment.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Eagerly._] Who is it, of whom thou speakest?
+
+HEROD
+
+Master, I do not know. Thou seest thus that I too have a burden of
+secret anxiety oppressing me, and await the sunrise.... But let me
+speak with thee seriously, Baptist. Thou hurlest thy arrows of reproach
+at me on account of the woman I stole.... I could almost pity thee for
+that. Thou, a great man, mightst have chosen a greater subject than a
+woman. And knowest thou every day she sharpens those arrows herself for
+me?... But enough of that. The smiths say that good metal rings true
+even when it is cracked, and thou ringest true. How dost thou manage
+it?... I pray thee teach me the way.... What, silent again?
+
+JOHN
+
+Methinks I know you now, ye smiling scoffers. Ye grow fat on the wit of
+the market-places; but hunger seizes you, and ye then lift your eyes to
+the earnest ones, walking on the mountain-tops.
+
+HEROD
+
+By Bacchus, there lurks some truth in that. But it's not good walking
+on the mountain-tops. We wait to see you fall; then we shall not smile,
+but laugh.
+
+JOHN
+
+But I say unto thee, Sire, thou wilt not laugh. He Who cometh requireth
+me not. That is why He cast me down.... Gaze into His eyes when He
+comes, and thou wilt not laugh, even at me.
+
+HEROD
+
+It seems to me thy reasoning is poor, and revolves in a circle.... And
+yet there is something that attracts me to thee. Baptist, thou hast so
+long been my enemy, couldst thou not possibly be my friend?
+
+JOHN
+
+Sire, meseemeth that to be nobody's enemy and nobody's friend is the
+right of the lonely. It is their all. Let me keep it.
+
+HEROD
+
+Yet I do not give thee up as lost. If thou wert so minded we might
+pursue the same paths for a spell.
+
+JOHN
+
+Whither, Sire?
+
+HEROD
+
+Whither? Upwards!
+
+JOHN
+
+For thee there is no upwards. Thou bearest the times that are and
+were before thee, like an ulcerous evil, on thy body. Burnest thou
+not from all their poisonous lusts? Art thou not weighted by their
+unholy desires? And thou wouldst mount to the heights. Stay in the
+market-place and smile.
+
+HEROD
+
+Baptist, take care. Thy chains lie not far off.
+
+JOHN
+
+Let me be chained, Sire; I ask for nothing better.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Gnashing his teeth._] Truly thou art ruled by a broken spirit.
+[_After a little reflection._] Yet tell me, Baptist, when that other
+cometh, that other----Say, was it in His Name that thou didst not throw
+the stone at me?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Confused._] Sire, what dost thou ask?
+
+HEROD
+
+Was it in His Name? For if so, thy Jewish king shall not rob my nights
+of sleep. Ha! ha! Here, gaoler! [_The gaoler comes._] The prisoner
+shall go in and out as he pleaseth, for he is not dangerous.
+
+GAOLER
+
+[_Dumfounded, then in a low voice._] Sire, how shall my life be safe,
+if----
+
+HEROD
+
+And his disciples, who loiter about the gates. Let them in and out as
+often as he wishes.... Now, did this God's people ever know a more
+clement master than I? [_Laughing, walks away._]
+
+
+                                SCENE VI
+
+             _John and the Gaoler. Later, Maecha, Salome._
+
+GAOLER
+
+Well, thou art now thy own master. What are thy commands?
+
+JOHN
+
+The Tetrarch spoke of my disciples----
+
+MAECHA
+
+[_Appearing in the gateway to left._] He is alone.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Signs to the Gaoler. Exeunt Maecha and Gaoler._]
+
+JOHN
+
+What wilt thou?
+
+SALOME
+
+Master, seest thou the sun sinking yonder between the pomegranate
+boughs?
+
+JOHN
+
+I see it.
+
+SALOME
+
+Knowest thou whose doing it is that thou art able to see it ere it
+goeth down, and ere thou goest down? Mine!
+
+JOHN
+
+May be. What dost thou want?
+
+SALOME
+
+Thou shalt not go down. Not thou. For my soul is thirsty. Teach me,
+master.
+
+JOHN
+
+What shall I teach thee?
+
+SALOME
+
+See, I am pious by nature, and I have a longing for salvation.... What
+thou givest to the humblest by the highway, give also to me. Let me sit
+at thy feet. I will be pious. Yea, I will. And if I touch thy hairy
+shirt, then be not frightened. I mean thee no harm.
+
+JOHN
+
+Why shouldst thou mean me harm, young virgin?
+
+SALOME
+
+Who can say ... if thou shouldst reject me! No one knows how powerful I
+am to-day. When I stretch my limbs [_she spreads out her arms_] it
+seems to me as if I carried the whole world like this ... only to hug
+it to my heart.
+
+JOHN
+
+Maiden, thou hast a playmate.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Attentively._] Which playmate?
+
+JOHN
+
+Her name is Miriam.
+
+SALOME
+
+I _had_ her. Now she is dead.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Bows his head. His suspicions realized._]
+
+SALOME
+
+I had her slain because she went to thee. No one shall go to thee
+except me. Seest thou now how pious I am? Seest thou? My soul feels thy
+strength, and feels it with joy; for I have never seen anyone so strong
+as thou art. I have made thankofferings and secret vows like those the
+Psalms sing of. Then I have been forth in the gloaming to seek thy
+countenance and the light of thy eyes. And I have decked my bed with
+beautiful, many-coloured rugs from Egypt, and I have sprinkled my
+pillows with myrtle, aloes, and cinnamon. I will give thee my fair
+young body, thou barbarian among the sons of Israel! Come, let us make
+love till morning. And my playmates shall keep watch on the threshold,
+and greet the dawn with their harps.
+
+JOHN
+
+Verily, thou art powerful; thou carriest the world in thy arms ... for
+thou art sin itself.
+
+SALOME
+
+Yes. Sweet as sin.... That am I.
+
+JOHN
+
+Go!
+
+SALOME
+
+Thou spurnest me! Spurnest me? [_She rushes through the gate._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VII
+
+                   _John, Josaphat, Manassa, Amarja._
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Goes to the door, where the Gaoler is waiting._]
+
+GAOLER
+
+Wouldst thou see thy disciples now?
+
+JOHN
+
+Bring them to me.
+
+[_Manassa, Amarja hasten to him and kiss his garment. Josaphat hangs
+back._]
+
+JOHN
+
+Matthias is not with you?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+No.
+
+JOHN
+
+What, Josaphat, thou who wast ever the nearest to me, hast thou no
+greeting to give?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Turns away._]
+
+JOHN
+
+Well, then, what is it?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Rabbi, it is written ... One knife sharpens another, and one man
+another ... but thou hast made us blunt.
+
+JOHN
+
+And thou hast come this long way to tell me that?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Rabbi, thou shouldst be the way that all the erring follow. Thou
+shouldst strengthen weak knees and mould trembling hands to the sword's
+hilt. Thy work was wrath, Rabbi, but thou hast made of it a sophistry
+and a weakness.
+
+JOHN
+
+Thou art not to know what my work was. Had I known myself, I should not
+be here. Truly the time of my fall is come, when enemies sing my
+praises and friends speak ill of me. What would ye have me do? My end
+must be in solitude and silence.
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+Thy end, Rabbi, is no concern of ours. It is for Israel's end that I
+fear. Thou tookest the law from us. What hast thou given us instead?
+
+JOHN
+
+Who art thou, that like a kennelled hound, thou bitest at my shanks?
+_I_ took the law from you? My soul hath wrestled with the law till it
+is weary; my forehead beat against its walls till it bled! But now ye
+have opened your mouths wide that salvation should slip down them like
+sweet crumbs. Ye gazed up at me so long as I stood erect, and now
+shrink away like cowards from my fall. I have not fallen for myself, I
+fell for you. To you it was a compulsion and a matter of watching. To
+me it was voluntary, and a combat at the sword's point.... Look at me!
+Twice to-day I have been face to face with the world's sin. But it
+seemed to me almost fair, for I have yet to meet the worst. Thou art a
+renegade! Thou hast ever been a renegade, and renegades will ye be to
+all eternity, ye men of universal utility, who manure your acres with
+the blood of those who have died for you! Go! I am weary of you!
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+I am going, Rabbi, whither Matthias hath gone before me, to Jesus of
+Nazareth.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Startled and moved._] To Jesus of Nazareth?
+
+JOSAPHAT
+
+[_Turns silently to go out._]                            [_Exit._
+
+
+                               SCENE VIII
+
+                        _Manassa, Amarja, John._
+
+JOHN
+
+How Amarja, and how Manassa? Those whom I trusted the most have
+forsaken me, and ye are still here!
+
+AMARJA
+
+Rabbi, I was at all times the least among thy disciples. What should I
+be worth if I were not faithful?
+
+MANASSA
+
+And to me, Rabbi, thou hast given a hope.
+
+JOHN
+
+Yet he is gone to Jesus of Nazareth. Be ye not fools. Go with him.
+
+MANASSA
+
+Let us be fools, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Sitting down on a stone._] So seat yourselves with me. Night draweth
+nigh, and I am weary. Hearken! It was even as if I heard a beating of
+wings above me. Did ye hear nothing?
+
+AMARJA
+
+Nothing, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+The womb of my soul is opened. I am ready for the blessing from on
+high. Is there not a whispering, roundabout? Heard ye nothing?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Nothing, Rabbi.
+
+JOHN
+
+There is a light shining over yonder mountains. Lovely is that light,
+and within me dawns the meaning of a contradiction. Who alone can
+deliver the world? To obtain it as a gift is to stretch forth your
+hands for the unobtainable.... We are in Galilee, know ye, where He now
+teacheth, this Jesus of Nazareth!
+
+AMARJA
+
+We heard in the streets that He was not far off. He tarries on the
+sea-coast.
+
+MANASSA
+
+And they say He may perhaps come into the town.
+
+JOHN
+
+Mayhap. Yet only mayhap! And my time is over. I must make haste, lest I
+die. Will ye do me a service?
+
+AMARJA, MANASSA
+
+Rabbi, command us!
+
+JOHN
+
+Get ye up and go unto Him.
+
+AMARJA, MANASSA
+
+To Him?
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Nods._] And wheresoever ye find Him, speak to Him. Ask: "Art Thou He
+Who cometh, or shall we wait for another?" So ask Him, and when He hath
+answered, come back--quickly--for my longing for Him is very great. I
+believe I could not die ere ye returned.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Master, we will not pause or rest.
+
+JOHN
+
+And ye will not forget my darkness in His radiance?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Master, why makest thou us ashamed?
+
+JOHN
+
+Then, farewell.
+
+MANASSA, AMARJA
+
+Farewell, Rabbi. [_They turn to go._]
+
+JOHN
+
+Go not thus; not yet. Let me clasp your hands, then ye are the least
+among my disciples, and [_in great emotion_] methinks I--I--love you.
+
+                         [_The Curtain falls._]
+
+
+
+
+                               FIFTH ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               FIFTH ACT
+
+_Hall in Herod's Palace. A row of pillars, raised by two steps, in the
+background, which lead to an open balcony with balustrade. This can be
+shut off by curtains, which at first are thrown back. A street is
+supposed to run at the foot of the next storey. In the middle of the
+stage, raised on a dais, is a table, with couches ranged round it;
+flowers and ornaments. Doors to right and left._
+
+
+                                SCENE I
+
+_Servants moving about arranging pictures and flowers, Gabalos
+superintending them; afterwards, Herod._
+
+A SERVANT
+
+[_Announces from door on left._] Our governor!
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Following him._] Now, Gabalos, thou who hast washed in many waters,
+what has thy art provided? Thou knowest our guests are spoiled
+children.
+
+GABALOS
+
+Sire, thou needest have no anxiety about food and drink. Something
+customary is best for jaded palates. Therefore I chartered the cook of
+Vitellius. But for the other part of the entertainment the prospect is
+bad.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Smiling._] Is that thy opinion?
+
+GABALOS
+
+Noble Merokles will declaim a new ode, I warrant. Our Libyan
+flute-players will have washed their brown legs in honour of the
+occasion. Sire, mistrust those legs even when washed. As I tell thee
+every day, we are sick of Judean morality. Judean morality is devouring
+us like the plague.
+
+HEROD
+
+Say, Gabalos, dost thou think that our Legate from Syria, before whom
+all the gaiety and colour of life doth shimmer, hath ever seen a young
+daughter of Princes dance at table?
+
+GABALOS
+
+That would be grand, because it is something new.
+
+
+                                SCENE II
+
+                  _The same. Herodias_ [_from right_].
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Noticing her._] Get thee gone!
+
+[_Gabalos and the servants withdraw to the background, where they let
+down the curtains which now shut in the hall._]
+
+HEROD
+
+What hast thou decided? Will it come to pass?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thy countenance beams. Thy eyes betray a badly concealed desire.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Bewildered_] Of what desire dost thou speak?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Do not prevaricate. I know thee, my friend. The poisonous weed which
+thou cultivatest with little sighs, and coverest up with thy crooked
+smiles, I know it!
+
+HEROD
+
+I vow, love, that I ask this only for the sake of the Roman. And
+how should I ever have conceived the idea had it not been for thy
+half-promises and suggestion of its possibilities? Thou knowest as well
+as I that we must offer the Roman something immense, something that may
+not have faded from his tired memory when he enters Caesar's presence.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+That is it. And thou thyself gainest thereby a dainty tit-bit for thy
+lonely night-dreams! It will be nothing more than that. I'll see to it.
+
+HEROD
+
+I am simple of understanding. I cannot follow thee.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Oh, yes; very simple is thy understanding. I know.
+
+HEROD
+
+Then it seems thou refusest?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+How could I refuse, when youth smiled and consented?
+
+HEROD
+
+Ah! And what reward wilt thou claim?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Nothing.
+
+HEROD
+
+Thou art like those priests, dearest. What didst thou ever do for
+nothing? Hasten then, I pray, to name thy price!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Farewell!
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Looks after her, shaking his head._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Turning round._] Before I forget it, just tell me, my friend, what
+art thou going to do with that Baptist?
+
+HEROD
+
+My Baptist is nothing to thee.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+The maids tell me he wanders about loose in the gardens.
+
+HEROD
+
+Let him; he will not hurt thee.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I only asked, because I wish to know how I am to avoid him.
+
+HEROD
+
+I'll take care, love, that he doth not meet thee. But enough of the
+Baptist. Once more thy price, Herodias?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Look at me! Here is a woman that no longer adorns her own body because
+thou now scornest it; she therefore adorns instead the body that came
+from hers. Here is a woman whose breasts have withered because her eyes
+have shed tears of blood. Therefore she will let the budding bosom,
+from which the veil has never yet fallen, be exposed to thine and thy
+guests' lustful gaze. And for this sacrifice of unspeakable bitterness
+I ask nothing, for I am without wishes. One who can still hope shall
+ask. Salome shall ask.
+
+HEROD
+
+Salome ... I would rather it were so.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+And thou wilt grant what she asks?
+
+HEROD
+
+I know not. I will see. I will let myself be driven. For in combat with
+the strong that is the last resource of the weak. But take care whither
+thou drivest me.... Mistress!                             [_Exit._
+
+
+                               SCENE III
+
+                          _Herodias, Salome._
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Putting her head through the door._] Mother, am I to dance here?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Come, softly. Art thou trembling, my dove? Art thou afraid of thy own
+will?
+
+SALOME
+
+Take my hand, mother. I am not trembling, because I know that thou art
+my will.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Not I! thou must will.
+
+SALOME
+
+For only the one who willeth exerciseth power. [_As Herodias regards
+her suspiciously, she adds quickly._] I read that in the Scriptures,
+mother. I did not understand what it meant.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Listen to me, thou sharpwits. A carpet of Indian wool will be spread
+here, there the Prince will sit with the foreign guests.... Let not thy
+foot touch the stone, raise not thy eyes.... Dance thy dance modestly,
+and when thou hast finished, wipe signs of shame from thy face; hearken
+narrowly to what the Tetrarch saith to thee. And if he should say, "Now
+ask of me, and----"
+
+SALOME
+
+What then, mother?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Ask nothing.... Then look at him for the first time a long, smiling
+look, and ... ask nothing. After that thou mayest demand.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Attentive._] What shall I demand, mother? A gold hair-ornament, or
+shoes of velvet? No; I know what I'll demand--a mirror.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Passing her hand through Salome's hair._] Verily thou hast never felt
+hate to boil in thy breast, like love on a night in May?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Feigning innocence._] No, mother. How should I?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou hast never felt an insult coursing through thee, like burning,
+liquid fire?
+
+SALOME
+
+[_In the same tone._] No, mother; really I have not.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Thou shalt demand no mirror, no hair-ornament, and no velvet shoes. But
+that the head of him they call John the Baptist shall be brought to
+thee on a dish.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Setting her teeth, and controlling herself with difficulty._] On a
+golden dish?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+What dost thou say? Understandest thou me not or--who----
+
+SALOME
+
+There's something else. One thing more I want to be sure of! Will _he_
+know--that ... that Baptist, from whom the request cometh?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Breaking out_] Certainly, he shall know! I will stand behind thy
+bloody trophy as thy will.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Half to herself._] As the will of my will?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+I will grow over him, as the sword groweth forth from the sleeve of the
+executioner ... [_Trumpets sound._] Come!
+
+SALOME
+
+And I will grow over him like a sweet grapevine. [_Exeunt both, to
+right._]
+
+
+                                SCENE IV
+
+_Herod. Vitellius. Marcellus_ (_and other Romans of the Legate and
+suite_), _Merokles, Gabalos, Jabad._
+
+HEROD
+
+Welcome to my table, exalted Vitellius, who bringest on the soles of
+thy feet the sacred soil of Rome into my poor dwelling. Welcome to you
+also, ye who follow him, according to Rome's command. She, our august
+mother, but ordereth what my soul desireth.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Thou hast my thanks, excellent prince.
+
+HEROD
+
+Repose now at thy pleasure, exalted one. [_They lie on the couches._]
+
+GABALOS
+
+[_Low._] Say, my brave Marcellus, how dost thou like this Jewish
+ear-wig?
+
+MARCELLUS
+
+It doth not find its way to our ears.
+
+HEROD
+
+And if thou wilt consent to crown thy brow with this wreath, as our
+Lord and Master, I shall be able to persuade myself that I am thy
+guest, instead of thou being mine.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Thou art _Rome's_ guest, Highness. Thus I will accept what befitteth
+me. [_Puts on the wreath which a servant hands to him._]
+
+GABALOS
+
+There was a sting in that speech.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Quickly collecting himself._] My good Merokles, begin.
+
+MEROKLES
+
+           [_Stands up and reads from a roll of parchment._]
+
+     "Cooled by Hebron's far-gleaming snow,
+      The fiery soul, concealed in ice,
+      Favours with its flickering smile
+      Us the worshippers.
+
+     "So thou sendest forth twofold beams of silent light,
+      So flames for us shoot forth from thy coldness,
+      So we prize as sacred thy flickering smile, mighty Vitellius--
+      Till we----"
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+My dear friend, what is this man talking about?
+
+HEROD
+
+Doth it displease thee, Exalted One?
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+It seemed to me that he called my name. In the case of his desiring a
+favour, it shall be immediately granted if he promises to keep silent
+for the future!
+
+GABALOS
+
+Oh, friends, what a success!
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Nevertheless, thy peacock's liver is good, very good, my dear Herod.
+
+HEROD
+
+Thou rejoicest me, Exalted Highness. Wilt thou not now command thy
+Libyan flute-players to come and charm thy ear?
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+My ear is obedient. Let them come.
+
+
+                                SCENE V
+
+[_The same. Salome_ (_thickly veiled_) _led in by Herodias while the
+harps are tuned. A murmur of astonishment runs round the table._]
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Are these thy Libyan----
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Who has risen._] This is my wife, Exalted Highness.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+[_Also rising._] Mistress, if thou wouldst grace this feast with thy
+smiles, I bid thee welcome.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Pardon, noble Vitellius. The custom of the East, over which thou
+reignest so gloriously, doth not permit of my sitting beside thee at
+table. Yet we know how to entertain even when we are not merry. My lord
+and consort, zealous to please thee, hath commanded me to adorn myself
+and my little daughter to enter thy presence, therewith she may delight
+thy eyes with her maidenly art, trembling in maidenly modesty.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Hail to thee, Prince, and to thy noble wife! Rome will not be grudging
+where thou art so lavish. Hearest thou not?
+
+HEROD
+
+[_With his eyes fixed on Salome._] Exalted, look!
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Truly, he is right; let us look, Romans. Open your eyes wide, for what
+is coming is the art of all arts. And if thou tremblest, maiden,
+remember that thou rulest because thou tremblest.
+
+MARCELLUS
+
+One is obliged to say that, Gabalos, to encourage her.
+
+GABALOS
+
+Ah, my brave Marcellus, see to it, is it fast on its neck?
+
+MARCELLUS
+
+Who? What?
+
+GABALOS
+
+The head! the head! Look at Herodias. That will cost some one his head!
+Only _whose_ has not yet transpired.
+
+MARCELLUS
+
+[_Pointing to Salome._] Silence!... See!...
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Has extricated herself from the arms of Herodias and, accompanied by
+exclamations of admiration and delight, has begun to dance. Her dance
+becomes wilder and more abandoned; she gradually loosens her veil, then
+covers herself with it again in voluptuous playfulness, till at last,
+quite unveiled, she stands with the upper part of her body apparently
+unclothed. She sinks on her knees half exhausted, half in homage,
+before Herod, who stands on the right side of the table._]
+
+               [_All break into ecstasies of applause._]
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Rushes forward to raise her._]
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Who has retreated as far as the proscenium on right, and has watched
+everything intently with a harassed expression playing on her face, now
+intervenes to prevent him. She and Herod exchange hostile glances._]
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Hoarsely._] Salome!
+
+SALOME
+
+Sire!
+
+HEROD
+
+Stand up and speak.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Slowly rising._] What shall I say, Sire?
+
+HEROD
+
+I am a poor man. Rome--who gave Herod's son, as if in mockery, the name
+of Herod--Rome has not left him much of his father's heritage. Yet
+enough is still his wherewith to thank thee. Speak, what wilt thou
+have? And by that God and Lord before whom we kneel in the dust,
+barefoot, at Jerusalem, I swear it shall be thine.
+
+SALOME
+
+I beg and desire that thou wilt give me, on a dish, the head of John
+the Baptist.
+
+HEROD
+
+Herodias--thou!
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Dear friend, whose head doth she want?
+
+HEROD
+
+The head of a man, great legate, who lies in my prison, whom I have
+there learnt to respect, I had almost said, to love.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Oh, oh!... And is he on view, this man for whose head daughters of
+princes dance before thee?
+
+HEROD
+
+Fetch him. [_Exit servant._] Damsel, thy mother led thee into this.
+Thou knowest not what thou askest.... Take back thy request.
+
+SALOME
+
+I beg and desire that thou wilt give me the head of John the Baptist on
+a golden dish. [_Silence._]
+
+HEROD
+
+And if I refuse?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Drawing herself erect._] Thou hast sworn, Sire.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+[_Laughing._] Of course, my friend, thou hast sworn. We are all
+witnesses of that. Ah! What a wood-god they are bringing in over there.
+
+
+                                SCENE VI
+
+              _The same. John_ [_led in by two armed men_].
+
+HEROD
+
+I have summoned thee, Baptist. I am sorry for thee. Prepare thyself,
+for the evening of thy days is come.
+
+JOHN
+
+I am ready, Sire.
+
+HEROD
+
+Understand me. I am truly sorry. But thou must meet death. Now, on the
+spot.
+
+JOHN
+
+[_After looking searchingly towards the door._] Sire, grant me a
+respite.
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Thy hero doth not appear to be all too ready. A little more and he
+would whimper.
+
+HEROD
+
+Baptist, wherefore dost thou want this respite?
+
+JOHN
+
+I have sent out messengers and await their return.
+
+HEROD
+
+To whom hast thou sent these messengers?... Thou art silent.... As I
+said before. I am from my heart sorry. So much might have been made of
+thee.... Still ... [_He shrugs his shoulders._]
+
+JOHN
+
+[_Holding out his arms distressed._] I beseech thee, Sire!
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Did not I tell you? All kinds of people struggle to live, only the
+Roman understands how to die.
+
+HEROD
+
+Thou must ask the maiden, Baptist. Know that in her hands rests what
+chance thou hast of the thing called life.
+
+SALOME
+
+Master, now see'st thou how powerful I am? Now ask me! Ask me!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Prompting her, behind._] If he does ask, laugh at him.
+
+SALOME
+
+Perhaps, but who knoweth what my heart desireth?... Now, master, why
+dost thou not beg?
+
+JOHN
+
+Maiden ... I ...
+
+SALOME
+
+There is the stone floor, see! The stone longs for the touch of thy
+knees.
+
+                               [_Pause._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VII
+
+                        _The same. The Gaoler._
+
+HEROD
+
+What brings thee here?
+
+GAOLER
+
+Forgive, Sire. Had I not known that thou wast friendly towards the
+prisoner ...
+
+HEROD
+
+What dost thou want with him?
+
+GAOLER
+
+Two of his friends who were with him yesterday, the same thou sawest
+outside the gate, have come back, and learning that his life is now
+in jeopardy--thy servant hath told me, and I have got everything
+ready--they became like creatures possessed, and implored me to lead
+them to him wheresoever he might be.
+
+HEROD
+
+Dost thou approve, Mighty Legate?
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Dear friend, this is the most enjoyable entertainment that has ever
+been provided for me at meat. Let them come! Let them come!
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Signs._]
+
+GAOLER
+
+[_Retires behind curtain of door and beckons._]
+
+
+                               SCENE VIII
+
+                      _The same. Manassa. Amarja._
+
+[_They seem at first as if they would rush to John, but overcome by
+shyness stand still._]
+
+JOHN
+
+What have ye to tell me?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Master!
+
+HEROD
+
+Speak louder, my good men! Unless ye let us participate in the news, I
+will have you carried off through separate doors.
+
+MANASSA
+
+May we, Master?
+
+JOHN
+
+Speak freely, for methinks we are alone together.
+
+MANASSA
+
+We took the road in all haste to Bethesda, and at break of day we found
+Him there.
+
+JOHN
+
+Ye found him there?
+
+MANASSA
+
+And many people were gathered about him resting in the olive gardens,
+and praised the Lord for the miracle which had been done to them at
+that hour. And behold there was a light in every eye, and in every
+mouth the music of thanksgiving.
+
+JOHN
+
+And He? How looked His countenance? What were His gestures?
+
+MANASSA
+
+Master, I know not.
+
+JOHN
+
+But ye saw Him?
+
+AMARJA
+
+Rabbi, thou mightest as well ask, What is the face of the sun, and what
+the gestures of light?... As we beheld His smile we sank to the ground,
+and in our souls was a great peace.
+
+JOHN
+
+And when ye had questioned Him, and He began to speak, tell me what was
+His manner of speech? Say; I stand here awaiting His wrath.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Rabbi.... He spoke to us like a brother. His speech was simple.
+
+MANASSA
+
+And it was beautiful ... like the voice of the wind which blows from
+the sea towards evening.
+
+AMARJA
+
+And this is what He spake. "Go and tell John what ye have seen and
+heard. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf
+hear, the dead rise, and the poor have the gospel preached to them."
+
+JOHN
+
+The poor--He said the poor?
+
+MANASSA
+
+And when He prepared to come hither to this town with the people who
+were gathered about Him, we accompanied Him as far as the gate, and
+then hurried on before, according to thy wish.
+
+JOHN
+
+And said He nothing else to you? Reflect well.
+
+AMARJA
+
+Yes; yet one more thing. He said, "Blessed be he who hath not been
+offended at me." But this we could not understand.
+
+JOHN
+
+But I understand it well and to whom He spoke. I have been offended,
+for I have not recognized Him. And my anger filled the world, for I
+knew Him not. Ye yourselves are my witnesses that I have said, "I am
+not the Christ, but one sent to prepare the way for Him that cometh." A
+man can take nothing to himself that is not given him by Heaven. And
+unto me nothing was given. The key of death ... I held it not ... the
+scales of sin were not confided to me. For out of no man's mouth may
+the name of sin sound, save out of the mouth of the one that loveth.
+But I would have scourged you with iron rods. Therefore is my kingdom
+come to shame, and my lips are sealed. I hear roundabout a rushing
+noise, as of many waters, and the divine radiance is near me.... A
+throne hath descended out of heaven amidst darts of fire. The King of
+Peace sitteth thereon in white robes. And His sword is called Love, and
+His watchword is mercy.... Behold He hath the bride, He is the
+bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom standeth and listeneth,
+and rejoiceth over the voice that is coming. The same is my joy. Now is
+it fulfilled. [_He stands with his arms outspread and his eyes turned
+towards heaven. Manassa and Amarja sink at his feet._]
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Dear friend, it seems to me that we have had enough of this maniac.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Between emotion and scorn._] John, I am truly grieved on thy account.
+And when He cometh of whom thou dreamest, I will greet Him as I have
+greeted thee. Ha! ha! ha! Lead him to execution.
+
+SALOME
+
+Now, ask me! [_As John smilingly looks beyond her._] Mother, will he
+not ask?
+
+
+                                SCENE IX
+
+_Vitellius, his suite, Herod, Herodias, Salome, Merokles, Gabalos,
+Jabad._
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+My friend, thy banquet has been somewhat disturbed. [_As Herod stares
+at the door through which John has disappeared._] No matter what I say,
+he does not hear me.
+
+HEROD
+
+Exalted highness, pardon!
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Has crossed over the stage and goes stealthily to the door on left.
+In great curiosity she draws back the curtain, and after gazing eagerly
+through it, reels backwards into the arms of Herodias. Outside, behind
+the middle curtain, an ever-increasing tumult and murmur of many voices
+has arisen._]
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+Bid the women to sit down. Thou hast an ill-conducted people. They
+brawl in the street while we dine.
+
+HEROD
+
+Are they already muttering about the Baptist? Gabalos, look to it, and
+tell them to be quiet.
+
+GABALOS
+
+It shall be done, Sire.                                   [_Exit._
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Pointing to the door, the curtains of which are open._] Mother, see
+what they are bringing. See! [_She rushes out._]
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Descending the steps of the dais._] What does she want there?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Sire, thou art of simple understanding. I advise thee to look the other
+way.
+
+HEROD
+
+What is she doing?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+She is dancing! She holds the charger with the Prophet's head high in
+her arms, and dances.
+
+JABAD
+
+See, she dances!
+
+HEROD
+
+So thou hast corrupted thy own flesh and blood. So thou wilt corrupt us
+all.
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Smiling, shrugs her shoulders._]
+
+MEROKLES
+
+She sways. She will fall!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Goes out composedly._]
+
+MEROKLES
+
+The head is rolling on the floor!
+
+MARCELLUS
+
+Oh, horror!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Comes back supporting Salome in her arms._]
+
+SALOME
+
+Mother, where is the dish? Where is the head?
+
+HERODIAS
+
+Make obeisance. Speak thy thanks.
+
+SALOME
+
+[_Before Herod._] Sire, I am a rose of Sharon. A flower of the valley
+... Who would thank me should pluck me ... Oh, look at the head!
+
+HEROD
+
+Take the women away!
+
+HERODIAS
+
+[_Curtseys, and leads, smiling; the half-swooning Salome off to
+right._]
+
+
+                                SCENE X
+
+             _The same_. [_Without Herodias and Salome._]
+                 _Gabalos_ [_has re-entered from left_].
+
+HEROD
+
+Well, what is the matter?
+
+GABALOS
+
+Sire, the people will not be restrained. Men and women in holiday
+raiment fill the streets and crowd on the roofs. They carry palms in
+their hands, and sing and shout for joy.
+
+HEROD
+
+What are they singing?
+
+GABALOS
+
+Thou knowest, Sire, I am not servile, but I scarcely like to say.
+
+HEROD
+
+Speak!
+
+GABALOS
+
+Hosannah! to Him Who shall come. Hosannah to the King of the Jews! So
+they sing.
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Grinding his teeth._] I have had John beheaded. Who may this one be?
+
+GABALOS
+
+If thou wouldst see Him, Sire, they say He is coming this way.
+
+HEROD
+
+I will see Him. I will greet Him as I promised. Ha! ha! ha! Open!
+
+
+                                SCENE XI
+
+[_The curtains are drawn aside. One sees the roofs crowded with women
+waving palms. Others, with palms in their hands, climb the hilly street
+below. The shouting swells in volume and becomes an orderly, harmonious
+song._]
+
+VITELLIUS
+
+[_Who has continued sitting, turns round indignantly._] What is going
+on there again?
+
+HEROD
+
+[_Has grasped a goblet, and springs on the topmost step._]
+
+Greeting to thee, my King ---- of the ----
+
+[_He looks, stops short ... the goblet slips from his hand, he turns
+away and hides his face in his mantle._]
+
+THE OTHERS
+
+[_Also stand, looking down in silent amazement. The Hosannahs rise from
+the street._]
+
+                         [_The Curtain falls._]
+
+
+
+
+                                 FINIS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's John the Baptist: A Play, by Hermann Sudermann
+
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