Chapter 2

remain in the room, then slowly moves toward the fireplace and holds his trembling hands before the fire.]

AHASUERUS. Ah, God of Jacob! Hear the Christians talk. "Dog Jew!" "Accursed Jew!" I hate you all! Your Christ sits on his kingly throne this night-- But I am steadfast. How the very wind Doth buffet me and chill my aged bones! Ringed all about with enemies, I stand Unharmed--for by Jehovah's dreadful curse I live--nor can I die--until He come. How chill the wind sweeps through my withered frame While curses and revilings dog my steps-- My weary, ceaseless steps. Ah, God! To die! Have I not expiated yet my sin?-- To bear life's heavy burden o'er the earth, To wander from Armenia's distant hills, Through desert places now, and now through vales That flow with plenty; now through sordid towns, Until at last I reach the western seas; Then, ever homeless, to repeat my steps? Death were a blessing, yea, a gentle sleep-- To feel delicious numbness seize my limbs, Mine eyes grow heavy, and the weary flight Of immemorial time forever stayed In sleep, in dreamless sleep--would I might die! I am so weary, weary of it all.

[He sinks down upon a bench, and is silent for a moment, in deep thought; a smile flits over his face, as at a pleasing memory, then the worn, hunted look returns.]

Faint shadows nicker 'round me, and at times Vague dreams of joy experienced long ago Beguile me for a moment, then I wake; Dim musings of that time when, yet a child, I prattled in the shade of Judah's hills And trod her leafy valleys aimlessly-- But that was long, long centuries ago. Sometimes I dream, that when God bade my soul To leave its blest abode and come to earth In this vile guise, all-terrified it prayed This trial and affliction to be spared; But all in vain. And now the curse of God Is on that soul. The darkness hideth not, Oh, Lord, from thee; night shineth as the day. What weariness unspeakable is mine!

[He throws himself down on the bench in utter dejection. Suddenly he lifts his head--footsteps approach.]