Appius
Let us go and see....
Silanus
I do not advise you to. In the first place, those people are mostly very poor, extremely dirty and very unpleasant to come into touch with.... Then, you know the Jewish fanaticism.... In these moments of exaltation, the most inoffensive become dangerous; and the sight of the Roman toga and arms enrages them strangely.... Besides, we shall hear what happens quite well from where we stand.... Listen!... The cries are coming nearer still and increasing....
(Behind the hedge that closes the end of the garden rise cries that sound nearer and nearer: “Hosannah! Hosannah!... Son of Man!... Lord, Lord, have pity! Lord, Son of David, heal the sick man!... Master! Master! Lord!... Jesus of Nazareth, have pity on me!... Make way!... Silence, silence!... He is going to speak!” At these words, the tumult suddenly subsides. An incomparable silence, in which it seems as though the birds and the leaves of the trees and the very air that is breathed take part, falls with all its supernatural weight upon the countryside; and, in this silence, which weighs upon people on the terrace also, there rises, absolute sovereign of space and the hour, a wonderful voice, soft and all-powerful, intoxicated with ardour, light and love, distant and yet near to every heart and present in every soul.)
The Voice
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!... Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted!... Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!...
Appius
What is he saying?...
Silanus