Does he fear spies? I have sent for this man. If the Nazarene is condemned Simon must kindle riot and take him from the soldiers. DRUSUS Will the wife of Pilate breed rebellion to Rome? PROCULA It is for Rome’s sake and in my extremity. What singing is that? I heard it in my dream. [_During the last few speeches a marching song by men’s and women’s voices is heard off left, at first faintly then, growing louder; the words are indistinguishable._] DRUSUS The air is African. PROCULA May it be Simon. DRUSUS [_Looking off left._] A litter with Ethiopian bearers. PROCULA Ethiopians! It is the Egyptian. [_DRUSUS starts to go off right._] PROCULA Though I sent for her I fear her. Stay with me. DRUSUS I cannot. I bear word from Pilate to Herod. [_He goes off right. A HERALD in Egyptian dress enters from left._] THE HERALD Acte of Egypt to the wife of Pilate. [_The voices off left are heard approaching and singing the tune that today is known as the Negro spiritual “Walk Together, Children.” ACTE enters from left walking with her litter-bearers and women. With her is BATTUS, a boy of ten._] ACTE The wife of Pilate sent to me? PROCULA For Simon the Cyrenian. Men say you are his friend. ACTE I have come here to find him. PROCULA He is not here. ACTE If his mood holds he will not fail to come since you have sent for him. Your men have told me that he nears the city. PROCULA Oh, help me rouse him when he comes. ACTE What is your need? PROCULA A hidden service. ACTE You ask my aid? Then trust me. PROCULA [_Coming down close to ACTE and speaking in a low voice._] Jesus the Nazarene must not die. ACTE Has he been doomed? PROCULA Not yet. But if— ACTE Are you not Pilate’s wife? PROCULA He fears the Jews. ACTE And Simon? PROCULA If Jesus is condemned Simon must seize him. ACTE Never. PROCULA It must be done. I beg you help me. ACTE This Nazarene has no friend in me. PROCULA And you have never seen him. ACTE No, but I suffer much because of him. PROCULA And I. Jesus must live. Oh, move Simon to strike. ACTE More lives than this magician’s wait on Simon. [_An ATTENDANT of PROCULA enters from left._] ATTENDANT [_Calling._] Pilate has gone up toward the Judgment Hall. PROCULA Beg him to stay for me, for one word more. I’ll follow. [_ATTENDANT goes out left. To ACTE._] Command my household, wait here for Simon. [_Seizing ACTE and pointing toward the Judgment Hall._] In there and at this hour the fate of earth and heaven dangles in the hands of blind men. Tell Simon this, see that his eyes are open. [_PROCULA hastens into her house. During Procula’s words one of Acte’s ATTENDANTS, who has strayed off right has reëntered, looking off._] ATTENDANT Lord Simon rushes toward this place. ACTE Make ready all.