MADMAN. Kill me instead. He never said this thing. [_He is beaten aside._] LONGINUS. The company, Attention. Front. Take up the prisoner. By The left, quick wheel. Down to the courtyard, wheel. THE TROOPS _go out by the doors, into the barracks, so as to reach the main gate from within. The _PRISONER_ is not shown, but only suggested._ A VOICE. He cannot lift his cross, I saw him reel. A VOICE. We'll find a man to bring it. Hurry, friends. Three to be nailed. A VOICE. The thieves will make good ends; They always do. This fellow will die soon. A VOICE. The troops will spear them all before full moon. Come; watch them march them out. Get mud to fling. _They hurry down the staircase O.P. side._ CH. CIT. [_to Pilate_]. Lord Pilate, do not write "Jesus the King." But that "He called himself, 'Jesus the King.'" PILATE. Empty this water here. [SERVANT _does._] Remove this board. Take in the bench. CH. CIT. I have to ask, my lord, That you will change the wording of your scroll, My lord, it cuts my people to the soul. PILATE. Tell Caius Scirrus that I want him. [_Exit_ SERVANT. So. [_To_ CHIEF CITIZEN.] What I have written, I have written. Go. _Exit _CHIEF CITIZEN. PILATE_ watches him. A yell below as the _TROOPS_ march out from the main gate. _LONGINUS'_ voice is heard shouting._ LONGINUS. Right wheel. Quick march. Close up. Keep your files close. _A march is played, oboe and trumpet. _PILATE_ goes in, the _TROOPS_ salute, the bronze doors are closed, but a _SENTRY_ stands outside them. _THE MADMAN_ remains._ MADMAN. They cut my face, there's blood upon my brow. So, let it run, I am an old man now, An old, blind beggar picking filth for bread. Once I wore silk, drank wine, Spent gold on women, feasted, all was mine; But this uneasy current in my head Burst, one full moon, and cleansed me, then I saw Truth like a perfect crystal, life its flaw, I told the world, but I was mad, they said. I had a valley farm above a brook, My sheep bells there were sweet, And in the summer heat My mill wheels turned, yet all these things they took; Ah, and I gave them, all things I forsook But that green blade of wheat, My own soul's courage, that they did not take. I will go on, although my old heart ache. Not long, not long. Soon I shall pass behind This changing veil to that which does not change, My tired feet will range In some green valley of eternal mind Where Truth is daily like the water's song. _Enter the_ CHIEF CITIZEN. CH. CIT. Where is Lord Pilate? MADMAN. Gone within. CH. CIT. You heard The way he spoke to me? MADMAN. No, not a word. The dogs so bayed for blood, I could not hear. Ask the tall sentry yonder with the spear. CH. CIT. I wish to see Lord Pilate. SENTRY. Stand aside.