John the Baptist: A Play by Hermann Sudermann

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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

PRELUDE

PERSONS IN THE PLAY
Herod Antipas.	Tetrarch of Galilee.
Herodias.
Salome.	Her daughter.
Vitellius.	Legate of Syria.
Marcellus.	His companion.
Merokles, the rhetorician	}	At the Court of Herod.
Gabalos, the Syrian.
Jabad, the Levite.
John.	Called "The Baptist."
Josaphat.	}	His disciples.
Matthias.
Amarja.
Manassa.
Jael.	Josaphat's wife.
Their two Children.
Hadidja.	Maid in the Palace.
Miriam.	}	Playfellows of Salome.
Abi.
Maecha.
Mesulemeth.	A beggar-woman.
Amasai.	}	Pharisees.
Jorab.
Eliakim.	}	Citizens of Jerusalem.
Pasur.
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	}	Roman Soldier.
Second
Third
The Captain of the Palace Guard.
The Gaoler.
Men and Women from Jerusalem, Pilgrims, Roman Legionaries, Men and Maidservants in the Palace.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

Look, Hadidja! There is the glow of fire yonder above Jerusalem. The Romans are burning down our houses, and yet we tarry here!

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?

SCENE II

We have carried this palsied man here in our arms, and they are weary, and he whom we hoped to find is not here.

[Rushing on the scene.] John, where art thou, John? I cry unto thee in my distress. Have mercy; let me behold thee, John!

[Pointing to the left.] Look! A crowd of people are drawing near. They go before him.

SCENE III

Whose wretchedness is so great that he wails aloud, and forgets that grief should be silent?

[Kneeling before him.] Rabbi, mighty Rabbi. If thou art he of whom men are talking in the streets of Jerusalem, help me, save me!

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!

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?

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.

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.

I see not Josaphat among ye. Neither is Matthias here. Who hath tidings of them?

Master, I am a poor man, sick of a palsy and in great agony. If Thou canst not cure me, I must die!

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.

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.]

Truly the word is fulfilled--Elias is risen. The Great Prophet is risen from the dead!

No, not Elias, not the Prophet! See ye not, ye blind? It is He Himself! He is the promised One. Worship Him! worship Him!

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.

Then sit ye down in a circle and hear the oft-told tidings, ye insatiable ones. [The people crouch on the ground.]

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.

[After a pause.] And whence came He, He Who was thus illumined by the radiance of the Lord?

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.

Rabbi, we are all poor workpeople from Jerusalem, and every one knoweth his fellow.

[Pointing to Miriam.] Yes, we men! But here is a woman whom I never saw before.

But if He of Whom thou speakest dwells among the living, He must bear a name, and His Father's name.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

No! No! Whoever hath told thee this informed thee falsely. His lips were shameless, and his soul lied.

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!

[In a low, stuttering tone.] Master, it is true what that man saith. And----[Emotion.]

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.

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!

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----

Enough! Go home, all of you. I wish to be alone. To-morrow ye will see me at Jerusalem. [Horror amongst the people.]

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

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

[As he comes forward glances anxiously at the soldiers, who sit in front of guard-room.] Neighbour, neighbour, dost thou not hear me?

[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.

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.]

[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.

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.

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!

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).

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.

[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----

[Irritably.] Have done howling after thy Lalage! Before thou goest back to Rome again, she will be a grandmother.

Ah! but they are Jew girls. They mean well enough, but the punishment of death hangs over them.

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?

SCENE III

Eliakim, Pasur, Hadidja, and the two other maids. Two Priests [descending the central steps].

Our mistress, priests, is gone forth to meet the Tetrarch Herod, to receive him at the gates.

[Observing Eliakim and Pasur sitting in front of their doors, raises his hands unctuously.] Blessed be ye who----

We hold the Temple. They shall yet be our servants. Come! [Exeunt both priests.]

SCENE IV

[Drawing near humbly.] Forgive me, neighbour, but now thou no longer readest in the law?

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!

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.

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.

Yes; once this was always a good spot for business, but now grass groweth in front of the Palace.

SCENE V

The same. A citizen of Jerusalem [who comes to fill his pitcher at the fountain].

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?

Yes. If it were her throat that ailed, then thou mightest pour the remedy into her mouth. But foot! No!

[Meanwhile a man wrapt in a cloak has come down the street, and looks up calmly at the windows of Herod's Palace.]

[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.]

So long, then, I may use the cooling remedy, but I know not what to do afterwards. [Drags his pitcher away dejectedly.]

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.

The Baptist; enemy of the Priests and of the Pharisees; to whom every Rechabite hath sworn death. Is he caught at last?

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.

Death to Herod! Did not I say it would be so? I can trust my nose. [Draws his sword.]

SCENE VII

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?

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.

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.

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.

See, Rabbi, what power hath been given thee. They wag their tails like pleased hounds. Jerusalem the Blessed lies at thy feet.

That is goat's hair wherewith he is clothed. It must prick his skin. It shows what a holy man he is.

But he doth not favour the woollen trade. If all were so holy, we should be beggared.

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.

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.

Not so, Rabbi. Thy work only beginneth. We have to face the Prince's entry. The people want a leader.

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.]

SCENE VIII

[Whispering.] Be on your guard, Rabbi. They wear the wide hem of the Pharisees. Their brethren are high in the Council.

We are diligent scribes, simple men, to whom the study of the law hath brought more honour than we deserve.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[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!

For the Pharisees who call themselves Rechabites are unclean from within. Come! [Leads her to the fountain.]

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?

If I could not answer thy questions with their double meaning, thou thyself hast now answered them!

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?

[Interrupting.] Greater than law, greater than sacrifice, is love! [Sensation and dismay among people]

See ye not now that he is guilty against the law? [He continues speaking earnestly to the people]

[Approaching the Galilean in great excitement.] Who taught thee that? [As Simon is silent, more urgently.] Who taught thee that?

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.]

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!

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.

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?

[At a sign from their Captain begin to charge the people with lowered spears.]

[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.]

[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.

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.]

Come, I pray. [Herod, Herodias, Salome, go with their train into the Palace; the common soldiers into the guard-room.]

SCENE XII

[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.

[Pondering in uncertainty.] Matthias, Josaphat, did he not say Love? [The curtain falls].

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

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?

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.

Let them! I am not afraid of any men.... I take them as I find them.... I love them.

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!

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.

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?

[Stands up and goes to window.] Ah! [Looking out for a moment in silence.] Miriam, who is that?

Is there anyone else but him?... Miriam, thou gentle, brown Miriam [half threateningly], deny him not!

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

What are ye doing here, damsels? Salome thou! Shall we let it be said that we have brought evil manners into Jerusalem?

Yes, mother. [She crosses over, and lingers between the pillars of the balcony.]

Intelligence hath reached me of one they call the Baptist stirring up rebellion in the streets. Which of you know the man?

[To Miriam] So speed after him, and when thou hast found him, bring him privately through yonder gate. [Points below to the right]

[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!

[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.

SCENE III

Go, set watches at every door. Who entereth goeth not out again.... And keep silent.

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].

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!

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.]

[Bows his head, smiling.] Allow me, Princess ... to present these friends.... I will not call them servants, for such they are not.

[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.

This is Merokles, the rhetorician. His voice carries far. It is heard in Rome, when folks there would overhear my own.

But I shall take no satisfaction in that voice till it may greet thee, mistress, with the cry "Hail to thee, O Queen!"

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.

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----

Thine illustrious father did not, and there was, on that account, grumbling amongst the people.

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.]

Thy kindness oppresses me. Whether thou art content seemeth to me of more importance.

[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!

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----

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?

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?

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.

Wait; let me see whether he has already come. [She looks over, and after her eyes have met Herod's she vanishes.]

[Observing his absence of mind, with an exclamation.] No! thou hearest nothing.

[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!

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!

As real as the ambition of thy mistress, as real as the secret resentment which gnaws beneath thy own; despite thy ever-ready smiles.

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....

[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.

[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!

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?

The two messengers to the Temple, mistress, have come back with word from the High Priest.

[With a laugh of rage and fear.] Are their trumpets already sounding on the road? Hath the great curse already reached the door?

Thou art wrong, my friend. Only a little blessing scratches at the door.... If it pleaseth thee, let it come in.

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----

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?

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----

[Pointing to himself.] Even before this booty was thine, thou hast betrayed it?

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.

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?

SCENE VI

First, we will hear what the priests have to say if your mistress, our mistress, so pleaseth.

SCENE VII

SCENE VIII

[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?

[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.]

[The following is accompanied by the harp, which, after playing a finale alone, dies away.]

[Has looked up astonished. The hail of flowers strikes him in the face. He shrinks back.] Who playeth with me?

Then play with thy mates ... Leave me in peace ... or go and call her who summoned me.

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.

Maiden, knowst thou not how abhorred this house is? Keepest thou thy soul innocent among the guilty?

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.

How can I say to the storm wind: "Pass by," and to the floods, "Swallow her not"?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.]

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?

A King cometh after me, but I wander in the wilderness and seek a path among thorns.

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!"

SCENE IX

Thou who lookest at me so imperiously, art thou the man who stirreth up the people against me?

Send thy women away, and this child, so that she be not corrupted ere she is ripe.

Take care, prophet! At that door stand armed men, two deep. Consider thy danger, so that thou courtest not death!

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.

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!

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?

[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."

Look round thee. Doth not the gleaming snow of marble attract thy eyes, nor the yellow glitter of gold?

Or ... hast thou never dreamed of the power and splendour and riches of this world?

Or [pointing to Salome, who again cowers at her feet.] has thy heart not trembled at the sight of this sweet, unveiled youth?

[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.

[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.

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?

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!"

[Springing up and going to the door on right.] The guards shall seize him.... Guards!... [She wrenches the door open.]

SCENE X

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

[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.]

Jael, we have heard that the Great Prophet eateth the passover in thy house. Wilt thou permit us to see him?

Mother, see, they are now drinking the fourth goblet. They will be here directly.

SCENE II

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?

SCENE III

[Lifting the children from their knees.] Just now we ate of the lamb in thy house, and thou sayest "we have no bread"?

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.

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.

Art thou, too, one of those who say, Greater than the law and sacrifice is love?

[Anxiously.] I did not say that, Rabbi.... Thou wouldst not get me into trouble with the priests?

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!

SCENE IV

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.

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.]

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?

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.

[Low to Josaphat.] It is now the second hour. Wilt thou not mention Herod to him?

[As Josaphat comes nearer to him.] I sent the youngest of you to search for the Galilean. Where is he?

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?

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.

SCENE V

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?

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.

[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.

Ye ask so much. Ye and your questions become wearisome. Hark! There is Manassa. [Josaphat opens.]

SCENE VI

[Breathless.] I flew from the Palace.... The guards have chased me.... Perhaps what I know ... may be of use to thee.

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.

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.

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.

SCENE VII

[Shrinks against the wall near the door and looks shyly across at John, who broods with his back turned to her.]

Forgive me, master. I am a little afraid; for if I go homewards the guards at the gate will seize me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Master, now I must go. Whether or no I served thee to no purpose, be gracious. Praise me, master.

I see thee sitting on the threshold again ... playing with thy life, and thou excitest my pity. ... Go, maid! Go, child! and [He listens.]

SCENE VIII

I have sought Him, master, from the hour thou sentest me till past midnight. I have not rested nor tasted a crumb.

I found him. He lay stretched out on the stones in charge of the soldiers, and near him, in chains, was his murderer.

They called him David the Zealot. The Galileans blaspheme God, he hath said, and therefore must this one die.

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?

Yes, Rabbi. On starry nights, like these, many a one wraps himself in his blanket and tarries by the House of the Lord.

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.]

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.)

[Looks round searchingly, and pauses before a pilgrim who is sleeping on the steps.] Pilgrim, awake!

[Walks on, and then pauses in front of Mesulemeth.] Thou who liest here by the way, be thou man or woman, wake up!

I lie here always. For I must be at the Temple. Day and night I must be at the Temple.

[Shaking her head.] The little I want, the pilgrims give me. But hast thou never heard of Hannah, the prophetess?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

[Anxiously.] Who art thou, stranger? Dost thou imagine thyself to be the prophet of anyone?

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.]

SCENE XI

Why stir ye up so much dust? This puny Herod, who runs after women, is not my business.

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.

I thought I dreamt it. Thou, who wilt not let us sleep, what dost thou want with us Galileans?

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?

And tell me, ye two men, have ye ever heard of a prophet that teacheth in Galilee?

Thou spakest His name first. Fear sealed my lips. But now thou hast said it. Yes, I mean Him.

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.

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?

Yes, the banks are always quite black with people. And the fish take notice of it. That is not good for our trade.

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.]

Indeed? I have seen no miracle but the power ... and no one to whom it hath happened, save the weak. But speak on, man.

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.

Master, these are little people. They understand not the wisdom of cunning speech.

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?

Ah, what does He teach? All sorts of folly. For instance, that we should love our enemies.

[More distant.] It groweth light towards Hebron. [All stand up and begin to pray, their faces turned towards the Temple.]

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.]

[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?

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

SCENE XIV

Hear all of you! Go not past; and thou over there mayest speak. The master will listen unto thee.

Herod is coming to the Temple, wearing princely robes. At his side, sparkling with precious stones, walks the courtezan.

SCENE XV

[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!

[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.]

[Have approached John. They seize him and push him down from the Temple steps.]

[To John, who is pinioned by the servants.] Master, what hast thou done to us?

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

Listen, Gaoler. The ball belongs to Salome, our young Princess. If thou art not obliging, beware!

SCENE II

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.

The two sons of Herod the Great came through this gate before they were sentenced, and through this gate----

Let him alone, Maecha! His wisdom has taken a holiday. Hast thou no livelier stories, old man?

Stories of yesterday. Stories that have not yet come to an end--stories that are as young [stretches herself] as we are.

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----

Princess, I opened this gate for thee because thou hadst lost a plaything. Shall I now, instead of thy plaything, lose this old head?

[Veiling herself.] Hide yourselves! [She stoops behind the seat; the maidens slip into the bushes.]

SCENE III

Who are the three men who linger about the door? They look morose, and did not salute me.

Sire, those are the remnant of the crew which followed John, they say, from Jerusalem. For eight days and eight nights they followed him.

They lie somewhere by the wayside, Sire, and die of thirst, unless the ravens give them to drink.

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.

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.

SCENE IV

Ask me not, Sire. My soul else will blush before thee. It was curiosity, because I heard thee coming.

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.]

They thank like conquerors. There is music in them. How is it, Salome, that I have never heard thy voice?

[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.

Could I do less, Sire? And him to whom she betrayed thy secrets, wilt thou not punish him too?

Sire, it seemeth to me that he hath a great following among the people. If thou sparest him, the people will like thee.

See how his disciples tarry at the entrance. If thou treatest him well, they will carry praises of thee to Jerusalem.

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.

But if I were sitting with other men ... at meat ... or over wine ... and thou camest and unveiled, that would be more seemly?

[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.

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.

[From the gate, with a slight fluttering of her veil.] And I will thank thee, Sire!

SCENE V

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?

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!

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?

Failed thee! Before me, whom thou callest "the little"! Art thou flattering me because I have loosened thee from thy chains?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Yet I do not give thee up as lost. If thou wert so minded we might pursue the same paths for a spell.

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.

[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?

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.

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

Knowest thou whose doing it is that thou art able to see it ere it goeth down, and ere thou goest down? Mine!

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.

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.

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.

Verily, thou art powerful; thou carriest the world in thy arms ... for thou art sin itself.

SCENE VII

What, Josaphat, thou who wast ever the nearest to me, hast thou no greeting to give?

Rabbi, it is written ... One knife sharpens another, and one man another ... but thou hast made us blunt.

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.

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.

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?

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!

SCENE VIII

How Amarja, and how Manassa? Those whom I trusted the most have forsaken me, and ye are still here!

Rabbi, I was at all times the least among thy disciples. What should I be worth if I were not faithful?

[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?

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?

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!

Mayhap. Yet only mayhap! And my time is over. I must make haste, lest I die. Will ye do me a service?

[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.

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.

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.

[Following him.] Now, Gabalos, thou who hast washed in many waters, what has thy art provided? Thou knowest our guests are spoiled children.

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.

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.

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?

SCENE II

[Gabalos and the servants withdraw to the background, where they let down the curtains which now shut in the hall.]

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!

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 Cæsar's presence.

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.

Thou art like those priests, dearest. What didst thou ever do for nothing? Hasten then, I pray, to name thy price!

[Turning round.] Before I forget it, just tell me, my friend, what art thou going to do with that Baptist?

I'll take care, love, that he doth not meet thee. But enough of the Baptist. Once more thy price, 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.

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

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.

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----"

Ask nothing.... Then look at him for the first time a long, smiling look, and ... ask nothing. After that thou mayest demand.

[Attentive.] What shall I demand, mother? A gold hair-ornament, or shoes of velvet? No; I know what I'll demand--a mirror.

[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?

Thou hast never felt an insult coursing through thee, like burning, liquid fire?

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.

[Setting her teeth, and controlling herself with difficulty.] On a golden dish?

There's something else. One thing more I want to be sure of! Will he know--that ... that Baptist, from whom the request cometh?

[Breaking out] Certainly, he shall know! I will stand behind thy bloody trophy as thy will.

I will grow over him, as the sword groweth forth from the sleeve of the executioner ... [Trumpets sound.] Come!

SCENE IV

Herod. Vitellius. Marcellus (and other Romans of the Legate and suite), Merokles, Gabalos, Jabad.

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.

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.

Thou art Rome's guest, Highness. Thus I will accept what befitteth me. [Puts on the wreath which a servant hands to him.]

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!

Thou rejoicest me, Exalted Highness. Wilt thou not now command thy Libyan flute-players to come and charm thy ear?

SCENE V

[The same. Salome (thickly veiled) led in by Herodias while the harps are tuned. A murmur of astonishment runs round the table.]

[Also rising.] Mistress, if thou wouldst grace this feast with thy smiles, I bid thee welcome.

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.

Hail to thee, Prince, and to thy noble wife! Rome will not be grudging where thou art so lavish. Hearest thou not?

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.

The head! the head! Look at Herodias. That will cost some one his head! Only whose has not yet transpired.

[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.]

[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.]

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.

I beg and desire that thou wilt give me, on a dish, the head of John the Baptist.

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.

Oh, oh!... And is he on view, this man for whose head daughters of princes dance before thee?

Fetch him. [Exit servant.] Damsel, thy mother led thee into this. Thou knowest not what thou askest.... Take back thy request.

I beg and desire that thou wilt give me the head of John the Baptist on a golden dish. [Silence.]

[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

I have summoned thee, Baptist. I am sorry for thee. Prepare thyself, for the evening of thy days is come.

Thy hero doth not appear to be all too ready. A little more and he would whimper.

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.]

Did not I tell you? All kinds of people struggle to live, only the Roman understands how to die.

Thou must ask the maiden, Baptist. Know that in her hands rests what chance thou hast of the thing called life.

Perhaps, but who knoweth what my heart desireth?... Now, master, why dost thou not beg?

SCENE VII

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.

Dear friend, this is the most enjoyable entertainment that has ever been provided for me at meat. Let them come! Let them come!

SCENE VIII

[They seem at first as if they would rush to John, but overcome by shyness stand still.]

Speak louder, my good men! Unless ye let us participate in the news, I will have you carried off through separate doors.

We took the road in all haste to Bethesda, and at break of day we found Him there.

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.

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.

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.

And it was beautiful ... like the voice of the wind which blows from the sea towards evening.

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."

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.

Yes; yet one more thing. He said, "Blessed be he who hath not been offended at me." But this we could not understand.

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.]

[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.

SCENE IX

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.

[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.]

Bid the women to sit down. Thou hast an ill-conducted people. They brawl in the street while we dine.

Are they already muttering about the Baptist? Gabalos, look to it, and tell them to be quiet.

[Pointing to the door, the curtains of which are open.] Mother, see what they are bringing. See! [She rushes out.]

She is dancing! She holds the charger with the Prophet's head high in her arms, and dances.

[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!

SCENE X

The same. [Without Herodias and Salome.]
Gabalos [has re-entered from left].

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.

Hosannah! to Him Who shall come. Hosannah to the King of the Jews! So they sing.

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.]

[Who has continued sitting, turns round indignantly.] What is going on there again?

[He looks, stops short ... the goblet slips from his hand, he turns away and hides his face in his mantle.]

[Also stand, looking down in silent amazement. The Hosannahs rise from the street.]

FINIS

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The Project Gutenberg eBook of John the Baptist: A Play

JOHN THE BAPTIST