Rabbi, my place is menial. I only hear what the idle gossips say. But here is Miriam. She has been chosen as the playmate of the young maiden Salome since she came yesterday. She waits on her at the bath. Question her! JOHN Miriam, why art thou silent? HADIDJA Rabbi, she hath never yet conversed with strangers. MIRIAM [_In a low, stuttering tone._] Master, it is true what that man saith. And----[_Emotion._] JOHN Continue! MIRIAM And after the wedding, on the first day of the Passover, Herodias is to enter the Temple, as far as the women's outer court, her new consort leading her by the hand. They will show themselves to the people. JOHN That the people may stone them? But what am I saying? They dare not! Those priests, lustful as they are, cowards cringing in the dust at the feet of the Romans, dare not permit this! The iron gates will close upon the scandal, and the High Priest will stretch forth his arm to curse them! HADIDJA Speak, Miriam! JOHN What else hast thou to say, Miriam? MIRIAM Master, at this very hour, messengers are passing to and fro between Herodias and the Temple. The Princess desireth that the High Priest shall meet them at the second gate, where the men and women separate, to bless her---- JOHN Enough! Go home, all of you. I wish to be alone. To-morrow ye will see me at Jerusalem. [_Horror amongst the people._] ONE OF THE CROWD Rabbi, wilt thou be responsible for thy enemies? OTHERS Reflect, Rabbi! The Pharisees will trap thee. The priests will condemn thee. JOHN I am the son of a priest. I will speak priestly words to those who countenance this infamous crime. I will speak to them in the name of Him Who cometh, for Whom I prepare the way. Go! [_As they appear unwilling and hesitate._] Go! [_The curtain falls._] FIRST ACT FIRST ACT _Square in front of the Palace of Herod--The guardroom of the Roman soldiers is to the right of the Palace in the foreground, with benches before the door--To the right of centre is the chief entrance--Steps in background, which lead to the top of a hill--Behind, separated by an invisible valley, is a view of rising masses of house-tops belonging to another part of the town--A narrow street to the left of centre, and another street in foreground, which may be taken as a continuation of the one that runs to right of guard-room--In it is the shop of the woollen merchant_ Eliakim--_At its right corner the shop of the fruit-seller_ Pasur, _with wares exhibited--A fountain with seats round it, near the middle of the stage._ SCENE I _Eliakim, Pasur. First, second, third common soldiers._ PASUR [_As he comes forward glances anxiously at the soldiers, who sit in front of guard-room._] Neighbour, neighbour, dost thou not hear me? ELIAKIM