JOHN
Who are ye?
JOSAPHAT
[Whispering.] Be on your guard, Rabbi. They wear the wide hem of the Pharisees. Their brethren are high in the Council.
AMASAI
We are diligent scribes, simple men, to whom the study of the law hath brought more honour than we deserve.
JOHN
May be. But what do ye want with me?
AMASAI
Many reports of miracles worked by thee have come to our ears. Some say thou art Elias; and others, even greater than he. We are willing to believe this, even if thou performest not his miracles. Naturally thou mayest have reasons in thy heart for keeping thy power of miracle-working a secret from us.