SCENE XV
The same. Herod, Herodias, with train from right.
JOHN
[John has mounted the steps and stands in the middle of the threshold.]
HEROD
[Pale, but smiling.] Hearest thou what they cry?
HERODIAS
Have him seized, else it means death to you and to me.
THE PEOPLE
[Are silent and tense in expectation. Most of them have picked up stones.]
JOSAPHAT
[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!
JOHN
[Takes the stone.]
HEROD
Thou on the steps. Knowest thou me not?
JOSAPHAT
[Whispers.] Hurl the stone!
JOHN
[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.]
TWO SERVANTS
[Have approached John. They seize him and push him down from the Temple steps.]
HEROD AND HERODIAS
[Walk up.]
THE PEOPLE
Woe to us! He too hath forsaken us. Woe, woe!
JOSAPHAT
[To John, who is pinioned by the servants.] Master, what hast thou done to us?
THE PEOPLE
Woe! Woe!
[The curtain falls.]