The following morning; the great square before the temple. A large crowd, consisting chiefly of women and children, is swarming up the steps leading to the palace, shouting and screaming. The leaders of the mob have reached the palace door, and are hammering on it with their fists.
The Doorkeeper
[Appearing through a wicket which he closes behind him] Are you still there? I have told you already that no more bread will be given out to-day.
A Woman
But I am hungry.
A Second Woman
You gave me one tiny loaf for my three children, a loaf no larger than my fist. Look at my little girl here; see how skinny her fingers are. [She lifts the child to show him]
A Third Woman
Look at mine too. [She also shows her child]