John the Baptist: A Play Part 32

Yes; and more nonsense of the kind. Also that----

CALL

[_From the roof of the Temple._] It groweth light towards Hebron.

JOHN

[_Eagerly._] Why dost thou not proceed?

FIRST GALILEAN

[_Rising._] It is now time for morning prayer.

CALL

[_More distant._] It groweth light towards Hebron. [_All stand up and begin to pray, their faces turned towards the Temple._]

CALL

[_Quite distant._] It groweth light towards Hebron.

JOHN

[_Baffled and tormented._] Towards Hebron it groweth light.

SCENE XII

[_The great gates are slowly opened, displaying marble walls, mounting in terraces, behind which are two more gates. The Temple-building itself is almost completely hidden by smoke from the great lighted sacrificial altar, which bounds the perspective. From the mountains behind the Temple are heard the long-drawn notes of the silver trumpets. People begin to stream up._]

MATTHIAS

[_Has gone to Josaphat's side and speaks to him privately, then turns to John, who stands alone on the left._] Master, the people are flocking to the Temple.... In a few moments the Tetrarch will certainly be there too, with the woman. Wilt thou not step among them, that they may know their leader?

JOHN

The image of my King s.h.i.+ning in the radiance of the cherubim. Where is it? Where is the rainbow of seven colours that was round His head?

Seven torches burned by His throne. I see them no more!

SCENE XIII

_The same. Mana.s.sa._

MANa.s.sA

[_Hurrying up from left._] Matthias, Josaphat, where is the master?

JOSAPHAT

Herod has come forth from his door?

MANa.s.sA

[_a.s.sents._]

JOSAPHAT

With the woman?

MANa.s.sA

With the woman.

JOSAPHAT

Master [_as he heeds not_], Master----

JOHN

What is it?

JOSAPHAT

Herod is on the way.

JOHN

Who is Herod?

JOSAPHAT

[_Buries his face in his hands._]

MATTHIAS

[_To Mana.s.sa._] Had he the Roman soldiers with him?

MANa.s.sA

Only his servants are with him.

MATTHIAS

Hearest thou, master? He is delivered into our hands.

SCENE XIV