Zach. Why, no, good sir; I need no gold——
Eliph. (interrupting). Well, well—— We’re three good merchants, come, as you can see, For this enrolling, down from Galilee, And now we’ve missed our way.
Zach. Yes, yes, good friend, I’ll set you on your way, if you’ll but lend An arm to my old arm to bear me up; For sure I’ve never had a bite or sup Since break of day.
Uzz. Yes, yes, old man; but tell Us first our way; and all will then be well.
Zach. (pointing (R.) very deliberately). Why, down the hill straight on, another mile, Then to your right, and so beyond the stile [He makes gestures of pointing. To where the vineyards stand—(remember them), And that’ll bring you straight to Bethlehem. [He turns, and gathers stick and bundle. And now, sir—[comes forward]—your good arm.
Uzz. (avoiding). Why, no, no, no, You’ve given us all we asked. We could not go With such a bag of bones! That’s not the way To make a contract. Come, be off, I say! [Threatens him as Zach. approaches again.
Zach. Sir, sir; I’m wearied out! I’m done to death! I’m old and weak of limb, and short of breath. I pray you— [Seizes Eliphaz’s arm, who shakes it off.
Eliph. Why, here’s impudence as well! Is’t so you speak to men of Israel? [Threatens.
Zach. Sir ...for the love of God ...
Uzz. Why, that’s too good! “The love of God!”—I’ve always understood That God was Justice! Eh! good Nadab, eh? [He turns to Nad. What do you think? That never was the way We learned at school![Threatens Zachary. Hands off! old man! I say! [Eliph. crosses (L.).