5 When John was thirty years of age he went into Jerusalem, and in the market place he sat in silence seven days.
6 The common people and the priests, the scribes and Pharisees came out in multitudes to see the silent hermit of the hills; but none were bold enough to ask him who he was.
7 But when his silent fast was done he stood forth in the midst of all and said,
8 Behold, the king has come; the prophets told of him; the wise men long have looked for him.
9 Prepare, O Israel, prepare to meet your king.
10 And that was all he said, and then he disappeared, and no one knew where he had gone.
11 And there was great unrest through all Jerusalem. The rulers heard the story of the hermit of the hills,
12 And they sent couriers forth to talk with him that they might know about the coming king; but they could find him not.
13 And after certain days he came again into the market place, and all the city came to hear him speak; he said,
14 Be not disturbed, you rulers of the state; the coming king is no antagonist; he seeks no place on any earthly throne.