John the Baptist: A Play Part 22

_A room in Josaphat's house. In the background a door, which leads into the street. Near it a barred window. On the left side is a door to another living room. A door also on the right. In the foreground to left a cobbler's tools. Towards centre, a table and two or three benches. To the right, a couch, a small table, and chair beside it. The room is poor, but not bare; lighted by two clay lamps._

SCENE I

JAEL [_With a child at her breast._]

[_Two other children and several women standing near door on left listening to a psalm sung by men's voices, which is heard in subdued strains coming through the door._]

THE BOY

What are they singing now, mother?

JAEL

[_Pale and troubled._] They sing the great Hallelujah, my child.

THE BOY

Is the prophet singing with them, mother?

JAEL

That I cannot hear, my child. [_Two more women come through middle door._]

FIRST WOMAN

Jael, we have heard that the Great Prophet eateth the pa.s.sover in thy house. Wilt thou permit us to see him?

JAEL

Come in!

ONE OF THE OTHER WOMEN

That is he, the last there on the left.

FIRST WOMAN

He that sitteth there looking so heavy of spirit?

THE SECOND WOMAN

I should be frightened of him. [_The singing has meanwhile ceased._]

FIRST WOMAN

They say that he hath come into the town to judge Herodias. Is that so, Jael?

JAEL

I know not.

THE BOY

Mother, see, they are now drinking the fourth goblet. They will be here directly.

FIRST WOMAN

Hath he spoken a blessing over the fourth goblet?

SECOND WOMAN

No; Josaphat spake it.

FIRST WOMAN

See, they are standing up!

ANOTHER

Are they coming hither, Jael?

JAEL

That is the couch on which he will rest.

SEVERAL

Then farewell, Jael.

JAEL

Farewell! [_They hurry out._]

SCENE II

_Jael with her children. John, Josaphat, Amarja._

JOSAPHAT

Here thou wilt be alone, Rabbi. The others remain outside.

JOHN

Accept my thanks, Josaphat.

AMARJA