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!