The second scene takes place four hours later, in the palace garden, and pictures the return of the messenger and his attendants sent to conduct Jesus to Edessa. The opening dialogue occurs between Ananias, the returned messenger, and the old and learned doctor of the court, who details with elaborate minuteness the ministries of his skill since the departure of the former to Jerusalem. While this dialogue is characteristic, well phrased, and indirectly humorous, it is a dramatic mistake to introduce it at such length, retarding the action, which should be focused sharply upon the essential motive of the scene,—the conveying to the queen the message of the Nazarene and the incidents of his refusal. The literary quality of the dialogue between the queen and Ananias has much beauty, being memorable for the picture it conveys of Jesus among his disciples at Bethany, “a hamlet up an olive-sprinkled hill,” where, guided by Philip, the Galilean, the messenger found him. The description of the personality and manner of Christ is a subtle piece of portraiture. To the question of Cleonis,— Tell me of his appearance. What said he? Ananias replies: He had prepared this scroll and gave it me With courteous words, yet, as I after thought, Most singularly free from deference For one who ranks with artisans. His look Betrayed no satisfaction with our suit; Yet did he emanate a grave respect Which seemed habitual, much as Stoics use, Yet kinder; and his bearing had more grace Than any Jew’s I ever saw before. As for his words, I own I scarce recall them, And have been wondering ever since that I, Bred at a Court and tutored to brave deeds, Should be so sudden silenced. For I stood Obedient to unknown authorities Which spake in eye and tone and every move, In that his first mild answer of refusal. Ere the departure of the king’s embassy from Jerusalem, the tragic drama of the crucifixion had been enacted and in part witnessed by them, which Ananias also describes with graphic force; in it appears an adaptation of the Veronica story. The lines well convey the picture: As the way widened past the high-walled house Of Berenis, the throng thinned, and I saw Plainer the moving figure of the man And the huge beam laid on him. Suddenly From the great gate I saw a form dart forth Straight towards him, pause, and seem to have some speech With the condemned, as, by old privilege, Sometimes the pious ladies do with those Who tread the shameful road. Her speech was brief. She turned, and, as I saw ’twas Berenis, Towards me she came, and her eyes, wet with tears, Smiled sadly, and she said these final words: