[Pilate glances at her and then motions, looking off to the left. A slave appears with him on the portico bearing a basin of water. Pilate washes his hands and then goes off left.]
Procula
[Going to Simon who stands motionless.] What will you do now, now that he is condemned?
[A man enters slowly from the right. He halts just within the garden seeing Simon. The newcomer is gaunt and haggard.]
Simon
[Suddenly seeing him.] Barabbas! [Running to Acte.] Look to the lad, lead him to safety. We’ll fire the city. Hide with him till I join you. The temple shall be in flames before they lead the Nazarene past it. [Acte leading Battus and her people hurries out left. Simon rushes to Barabbas, speaking swiftly.] Go where the arms are stored. Give the slaves weapons and torches. Rouse all, arm all, stand by me to free the Nazarene. I’ll lead his friends. Bring the slaves quickly. Strike, give all the signal. [Barabbas stands motionless.] Go.
Barabbas
[In a dull monotonous voice.] All’s done, all’s one, whether men live or die.
Who can withstand Rome? They tortured me.