Rise, David, and meet them proudly; it seems they are beginning to mock you. _David rises. Some one rushes in ahead of the mob, shouting joyously: "David!" and runs back. The sea looks in one place as though stained with blood._ DAVID. _Retreating a step._ I am afraid, Nullius. This is the same one we met on the road, with a red little beard.... I fear him, Nullius. ANATHEMA. Meet them proudly. Strike them with the truth, David,--with the truth! DAVID. But do not leave me alone, Nullius, or I shall forget again where the truth is. _People appear on the fence. They are exhausted, mud-covered, like David. They seem to be blind yet their faces are radiant with joy, and they keep exclaiming: "Da-vid! Da-vid!"_ DAVID. _Outstretching his arms._ Back-- _They do not listen to him and keep climbing the fence, wailing._ ANATHEMA. _Audaciously._ Where are you going? Back--back, you were told. _The people in the front rank pause in fear._ VOICES. Stop! Stop! Who's that? That's David. No, that's the robber. The one who has carried him off. The robber. A RESTLESS MAN. Silence! Silence! David wishes to speak. Listen to David. _They become silent; but in the distance people are still shouting: "Da-vid!"_ DAVID. What is it you want? Yes, it is I, David Leizer, a Jew from the same city that you come from. Why do you pursue me like a thief and frighten me like a robber with your shouting? ANATHEMA. _Audaciously._ What do you want? Go away from here. My friend David Leizer does not want to see you. DAVID. Yes. Let me die here, for death is already approaching my heart; go home to your wives and your children. I cannot ease your sufferings in any way,--go. Do I speak properly, Nullius? ANATHEMA. Yes, David. THE RESTLESS MAN. Our wives are here and our children are here. Here they stand, waiting for your word of kindness, David,--you who have brought joy to mankind! I have no strength left in me and I have nothing to say. Go. WOMAN. Move forward a little, Rubin, and bow to our master David. You probably remember him, David? Bow to him once more, Rubin. _The boy bows timidly and hides in the crowd again. Laughter._ OLD MAN. _Smiling._ He is afraid of you, David. Don't be afraid, boy. _Milled laughter. The Wanderer comes forward._ WANDERER.