(_Behind the hedge that closes the end of the garden rise cries that sound nearer and nearer: “Hosannah! Hosannah!... Son of Man!... Lord, Lord, have pity! Lord, Son of David, heal the sick man!... Master! Master! Lord!... Jesus of Nazareth, have pity on me!... Make way!... Silence, silence!... He is going to speak!” At these words, the tumult suddenly subsides. An incomparable silence, in which it seems as though the birds and the leaves of the trees and the very air that is breathed take part, falls with all its supernatural weight upon the countryside; and, in this silence, which weighs upon people on the terrace also, there rises, absolute sovereign of space and the hour, a wonderful voice, soft and all-powerful, intoxicated with ardour, light and love, distant and yet near to every heart and present in every soul._) THE VOICE Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!... Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted!... Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!... APPIUS What is he saying?... SILANUS Listen!... It is rather curious.... THE VOICE Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled!... Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!... MARY MAGDALENE I want to see!... (_She rises and, as though irresistibly drawn by the divine voice, goes as if to descend the steps of the terrace and to make for the bottom of the garden._) SILANUS (_in a low voice, trying to hold her back_) Do not go there!... THE VOICE Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!... MARY MAGDALENE I will go!... VERUS I shall go with you.... MARY MAGDALENE (_fiercely, imperiously_) No! Nobody!... Let me be!... (_She goes down towards the hedge, as though fascinated._) THE VOICE Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God!... Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!... VERUS Where is she going.... APPIUS What is she doing?... She is mad!... She is trying to pass through the hedge!... THE VOICE Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you!... Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven!... VERUS She has opened the gate of the garden!... She is in the orchard!... SILANUS Women sometimes have thoughts which wise men do not understand.... VERUS I shall go and join her; and, if I have to protect her against those.... SILANUS Do no such thing.... They are listening to the voice and will not perceive her presence, whereas the sight and sound of your arms.... Listen, listen to what he is saying: it is rather singular.... THE VOICE But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you!...