[As the curtain rises Procula is discovered upon the steps of her house. She is in an extreme state of agitation. Her attendants are in the garden. The sound of a mob, with cries of “Crucify him,” “To the Place of the Skull,” “On to Golgotha,” etc. is heard at the rise of the curtain and at intervals throughout the play.]
Procula
Go! Go, send more messengers. Ah, Hera, help me.
[A Messenger runs into the garden from the right and kneels before her, breathless.]
Procula
Has Simon the Cyrenian been found?
Messenger
The swiftest horseman reached him. He is nearing the city.
Procula