[Looks after her, and then sits down on the seat.]
SCENE V
Herod, John. The Gaoler. A Guard.
HEROD
Tell me, how should one address thee when one would show thee respect? Thou thinkest that I mock thee? But knowest thou that in reality I am indebted to thee? The people's meditated attack was not hidden from me, and yet I came without the escort of warriors which Rome sent for my protection. Thou heldest me in the hollow of thy hand, as thou heldest the stone. Say, why didst thou let it fall? Why hast thou spared me?
JOHN
Sire, even if I spoke thou wouldst not understand me.
HEROD
That is defiance, which I cannot praise. In chains it is easy to be defiant. Take off his chains and go. [The Gaoler obeys. Exit with the guard.] Now, as a free man, revile me. Art thou a preacher of repentance? If so, preach to me!
JOHN