There stands the old man dead to feel of pain,

He sings, instead of shrieking out, and clutching

To get the knife that’s held before his eyes,

He sings the psalm which the Three Men of yore

Sang in the fiery oven, and he lifts

At every added pang his voice the louder,

And when he bates it prophesies forsooth!

Herod (aside).

Such is their breed. Yes—will they e’er be other?

Joab.