Well, tell me all, you who have any conscience: Is this the kind of music that should greet him who brings joy to mankind? I am ashamed that I have gotten together such a poor orchestra, and I would rather die than disgrace myself before David. SARAH. _To the organ-grinder._ Will you also play? You have such a fine organ now that even angels might dance to your music. ORGAN-GRINDER. I will. SARAH. But why have you no monkey? ORGAN-GRINDER. I couldn't find a good monkey. All the monkeys I have seen are either old, or mean, or altogether untalented, and are even unable to catch fleas. The fleas have already destroyed one of my monkeys, and I don't want another monkey destroyed that way. A monkey needs talent, just like a man,--it isn't enough to have a tail, even to be a monkey. _The wanderer is questioning Khessin in a low voice._ WANDERER. Tell me the truth, Jew: I was sent here by my people, and I walked many miles on my old legs, under the mercilessly scorching sun, for the purpose of learning the truth. Who is this David who brings joy to mankind. Let it be as you say that he does not heal the sick.... KHESSIN. It is a sin and an offence against God to think that a human being can heal. WANDERER. Be it so. But is it not true that Leizer wants to build an enormous palace of white stone and blue glass and gather together all the poor of the world there? KHESSIN. _In embarrassment._ I do not know. Is it possible to build such a large palace? WANDERER. _With conviction._ It is possible. Is it true that he wants to take away the power from the rich and bestow it upon the poor? (_In a whisper._) And to take the power from those who rule, the might from those who are in command, and distribute it among all the people on earth, giving an equal share to each of them? KHESSIN. I do not know _Timidly._ You frighten me, old man. WANDERER. _Looking around cautiously._ And is it true that he has already sent heralds to the black people that they, too, shall prepare themselves to accept the new kingdom, for he wants to bestow the power equally upon the black as upon the white, giving to each one according to his desire. (_In a mysterious whisper._) In accordance with justice. _On the road appears David Leizer, walking slowly; in his right hand, a staff; Anathema is holding his left arm reverently. There is agitation and confusion among the waiting crowd: the musicians rush for their instruments; the women pick up their children quickly. They shout: "He's coming! He's coming!" They call: "Moishe, Petya, Sarah!"_ WANDERER. And is it true.... KHESSIN. Ask him. Here he is coming.