John the Baptist: A Play Part 11

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 pa.s.sed.

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, Mana.s.sa, 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?

MANa.s.sA

Rabbi, we know not.

JOHN