John the Baptist: A Play Part 27

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 a.s.sociated, 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 rus.h.i.+ng 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