Tob. All the town Is full. I never saw the like before! To Dav. Here, lad! make haste! Go, fetch a bottle more, And bread and meat. These gentlemen must dine. [Exit Dav. (L.). (To Three.) I promise you, a cup of our good wine Will set you up, sirs.[He sets out plates and cups.
Eliph. Ah! I warrant you We’ll do good justice to a cup or two.
[They range themselves. Enter Dav. with bottle, mugs, bread, and meat, and exit again (L.). They begin to eat and drink. Landlord stands with arms akimbo by fire, watching. Now and again he comes to table, helps them to wine, &c., and goes back, as conversation continues.
Tob. And was all quiet as you came? [He looks at them curiously.
Nad. Why, yes. All was as still as death—a wilderness Of snow and frost.
Tob. And did you see no man? [Very earnestly, leaning on table.
Nad. Why, yes, a few. Just as the road began To come to Rachel’s tomb we passed a maid And old man, and her arm in his was laid; [He pauses to eat during this speech. He is very cool and self-contained. And they were walking—walking wondrous slow: [He makes a little gesture. The maid seemed wearied.... And an hour ago Two children; and then afterwards again Some old fool of a shepherd-man; and then None further, till we reached the market-square.
Tob. Ah! yes. A mighty company was there Of neighbours, come to see the folk arrive From all the country.
[He begins to walk about uneasily, pensively. There is a long silence. The three eat. Then he suddenly comes back.
As I am alive, I could have sworn that more were there than men.