SCENE XIV

_The same. Amarja; with a fresh crowd of people._

AMARJA

[_Calling._] John, where is John?

JOSAPHAT

[_With resolution._] Here is John.

THE PEOPLE

[_Hear and murmur, joyously._] See, there is John!

JOSAPHAT

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

AMARJA

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

THE PEOPLE

[_Break out into cries of anger._]

JOSAPHAT

Master, thy hour is come; mount the steps and speak to them!

THE PEOPLE

[_Pressing round._] John, speak--Rabbi, speak--What shall we do?

JOSAPHAT

Keep back! He will speak to you. [_Sotto voce._] Mount the steps!

JOHN

[_Walks as if in a dream towards the steps._]

THE PEOPLE

[_Murmuring._] See! He sways. What aileth him?

JOSAPHAT

Make haste. Speak!

CALL

Here is Herod. Here cometh Herod!

THE PEOPLE

Stone him! Stone the courtezan!

OTHERS

Look at John! Do what John does, else are ye lost.