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.