(Approaching the lines, his chin still upon his breast.)
Something I have to tell you, hitherto,
For his own good, religiously concealed.
For adulation maketh pride to swell
And man becomes an idol. (Looking up.)
Years ago
A prophesy went sounding down the south
That sent a thrill through Christendom. From Rome
The echo came to us. The rumor ran
That in the Saxon forest lived a boy
Through whom the North should come contrite to God:
A shepherd as was Moses and therefore
Prepared to lead his people. Friar Paul
Was sent to flash the light upon his way
And win him unto Christ, to make his staff
Put forth green Christian buds. With what result
I need not tell you. Few, few men can bear
Honor and the favor of the Most High. He,
Moses himself could not. "Watch Moses now;"
And struck the rock. And then God: "Now watch Me;"
And gave his staff to Joshua. And here
I find a lesson, this: Glory shall pass
From the proud man to the humble man. To-day
I take that prophesy up in my hands
And with it seek the mountains of our God,
And Heathendom shall fall like Jerich—
The Man—(Returning.) Says
He don't know which way. Lost him in the dark.
(The crowd stands silent, not knowing which way to go. A woman appears in the doorway.)
Woman—Madam Bacqueur in her swoon hath thrice cried out:
"O keep from the mountains! Look! See there!
The fire of God falls on the hills. See! See!"
Father Benedict—The voice of Hell that fears our coming. Woman,
Baths her entranced brows with holy water.
(The woman goes back in the church. Jacques speaks to the Priest.)
A Man— (After a pause, from the rear line.)
Let's go toward the abbey.
Another— (In the front line, pointing right.)
This way.
Another— (Shaking his head, as though fearing the storm.)
No.