II
HEROD'S BANQUET-HALL
MANAHEM. Thou hast sent for me, O King, and I am here.
HEROD. Who art thou?
MANAHEM.
Manahem, the Essenian.
HEROD. I recognize thy features, but what mean These torn and faded garments? On thy road Have demons crowded thee, and rubbed against thee, And given thee weary knees? A cup of wine!
MANAHEM. The Essenians drink no wine.
HEROD.
What wilt thou, then?
MANAHEM. Nothing.
HEROD.
Not even a cup of water?