I am fifty-eight years old, Nullius, and I must have a rest.... But who was the man that met us on the highway and was so greatly overjoyed, and ran off shouting: "Here is David, who has brought joy to mankind? How does he know me? I had never seen him before. ANATHEMA. _As if surveying the shore._ Your fame is great, David.... Strange, I do not find any path leading downward. DAVID. _Shutting his eyes._ The cypress trees have turned dark--there will be a storm to-night, Nullius. We should have remained at the stone pit: it was dark and quiet there, and I slept like a man with clear conscience. _Grumbling._ But why are you silent, Nullius? Or am I to speak all alone, as if I were already in the desert? NULLIUS. I am searching. DAVID. _With dissatisfaction._ What else is there to search for? We have searched enough to-day, and we jumped like trained dogs. I felt ashamed, Nullius, when I climbed the fences like a little boy stealing apples. You had better come over here and tell me something about your wanderings. I am too tired to sleep. ANATHEMA. You'll not be able to sleep, David. _Advancing._ There is no way down to the sea. DAVID. What of it? Look for it elsewhere. ANATHEMA. _Outstretching his hand in the direction of the city._ Look, David; what is that white line there in the distance? DAVID. _Lifting his head._ I don't see it. ANATHEMA. It is the city which is awaiting you. Now listen. What is that noise in the distance? DAVID. _Listening._ That--of course, Nullius, that is the echo of the waves of the sea. ANATHEMA. No. It is the voice of the people, who will come here soon and will demand miracles from you, and will offer you the kingdom of the poor on earth. When we were hiding in the rocks, I heard two men speak as they hastened to the city: they said that you had been carried away by some evil one and that it was necessary to rescue you from that evil one and offer you the kingdom. DAVID. Am I not a sick old Jew? Am I a piece of gold that I should be stolen? Leave me alone, Nullius; you are raving like the other people.... I am sleepy. ANATHEMA. _Impatiently._ But they are coming this way. DAVID. Let them come. You will tell them that David is sleeping and that he does not want to perform miracles. _He prepares himself for sleep._ ANATHEMA. Bethink yourself, David. DAVID. _Stubbornly._ He does not want to perform any miracles. Good night, Nullius. I am old and I do not like to talk nonsense. ANATHEMA. David! _David does not answer; he falls asleep, his hands folded under his head._ ANATHEMA. Awaken, David! the people have come here. _Pushes him angrily._ Get up, I say. You make believe that you are asleep--I don't believe you. Do you hear? _Through his teeth._ You've fallen asleep--damned flesh! _Steps aside and listens._ ANATHEMA.