“What shall we do?”
John answers: “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”
“That is pretty good advice,” Herod thinks; “I have had a good deal of trouble with these men, but if they follow the preacher’s advice, it will make them better soldiers.”
Then he hears the publicans ask John, as they come to be baptized:
“What shall we do?”
The answer is: “Exact no more than that which is appointed you.”
“Well,” says Herod, “that is excellent advice. These publicans are all the time overtaxing the people. If they would do as the preacher tells them, the people would be more contented.”
Then the preacher addresses himself to the Pharisees and the Sadducees in the crowd, and cries:
“O generation of vipers! Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.”
Says Herod within himself: “I like that. I am glad he is giving it pretty strong to these men. I do not think I will have him arrested just yet.”