John the Baptist: A Play

by Hermann Sudermann

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.]

MATTHIAS

[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?

JOHN

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!