Yes. If it were her throat that ailed, then thou mightest pour the remedy into her mouth. But foot! No! CITIZEN But suppose that it mortifies! ELIAKIM Yea, if it mortifies and is a danger to life, the law alloweth it. THE CITIZEN [_Crying out in despair._] But then it is too late! [_Meanwhile a man wrapt in a cloak has come down the street, and looks up calmly at the windows of Herod's Palace._] ELIAKIM [_Points to him, looking shocked._] Hush, if thou lovest thy life! The man thou seest yonder is one David, belonging to the Zealots who dwell in the desert. They come down to the towns with daggers hidden in the folds of their cloaks. And when they find people committing a breach of the law by word or deed, they strike at them from behind. [_Rising, as the stranger approaches._] Greeting; thou holy man! Behold I know thee well. Wilt thou not bless thy servant? [_The stranger passes, and disappears in the street to the left._] PASUR I feel a shiver run through me. One can err and not know it. THE CITIZEN How many hours are there yet, ere the feast begins? ELIAKIM [_Regarding the sun._] Six. THE CITIZEN So long, then, I may use the cooling remedy, but I know not what to do afterwards. [_Drags his pitcher away dejectedly._] PASUR Of a truth, we Hebrews are hunted like vermin. If the Romans leave us alone, the law strikes at us. SCENE VI _The same. The stage has become half-filled with people, who gesticulate in excitement, looking up at Herod's Palace. Among them Hachmoni; later, the soldiers._ ELIAKIM What is going on there? Hachmoni, thou shalt speak. What ails the people? HACHMONI Hast thou not heard? John is in the town! ELIAKIM There are many Johns. HACHMONI The Baptist, man! ELIAKIM The Baptist; enemy of the Priests and of the Pharisees; to whom every Rechabite hath sworn death. Is he caught at last? HACHMONI Thou speakest like one in his sleep! If there is a man in Jerusalem safe and untouched by the curse of the Romans, it is he. He standeth in the market-place and preacheth; he standeth at the gates and preacheth.--Did I say _preach_? Firebrands issue from his lips; scorpions leap out of his mouth. ELIAKIM Against whom doth he preach, then? HACHMONI Against Herod, naturally. And his paramour, and his paramour's whelp. ALL Down with Herod! Death to Herod! [_The first and second Roman soldiers step out of the guard-room._] FIRST SOLDIER What are the blear-eyed scum crying? SECOND SOLDIER Death to Herod! Did not I say it would be so? I can trust my nose. [_Draws his sword._] PASUR Protect yourselves! The soldiers! [_The people fall back._] FIRST SOLDIER [_laughing._] The dogs are affrighted already. Curs! [_They go in, laughing._] SCENE VII _The same. Amasai and Jorab_ [_from left centre, remain in the street_]. AMASAI