JORAB
Cannot we trap him?
AMASAI
And so stand before the people as the friends of Herod? Leave that kind of fame to the Priests and the Sadducees. The disaffection which we quelled, at a signal from him, screams aloud in the gutter. So what good have we done? That is why the people flock to him. We have missed our opportunity. But still; I know a way to entangle him. I will strike at him through his folly about the Messiah. [Shouts of applause arise from the people.] Listen! so they once hailed us. [They withdraw further into the street to the left.]
SCENE VII
The same, without Amasai and Jorab. John, accompanied by Josaphat, Matthias, and Manassa and afresh crowd. People appear behind left.
JOHN
[Throwing himself down on the edge of the fountain.]
JOSAPHAT
See, Rabbi, what power hath been given thee. They wag their tails like pleased hounds. Jerusalem the Blessed lies at thy feet.