FATHER BENEDICT-- Rather than look upon my face!
By this deed he admits the charge I made.
PIERRE--And someone--someone told him of the dream,
How that the dogs should tear him--
FATHER BENEDICT-- Stop right there!
You come down here to cast his blood on me?
I see the hand inside this hellish glove.
(_He turns and comes straight out into the street._)
PIERRE-- (_Timidly._)
'Twas that that did it.
FATHER BENEDICT-- (_Lifting his hand and shouting aloud._)
Go back, men, go back!
We will stay here! This I will _not_ forgive.
(_He returns toward the church and climbs the
steps. On top he stops, stands for a moment,
then sets his crucifix in the doorway and
comes back down. Pierre, fearing he is about
to be attacked, draws back. The priest follows_
_him._)
I know who sent you down here and I know
Why. (_Shaking his finger._)
Pierre, had this word not been distilled
Under old fangs and put in your young mouth,
This sting should cost you something. As it is,
In you I overlook it.
(_Hoarse with wrath._)
The old snake!
God shall pass judgment between me and him.
The seraphim shall burn his mouth with coals.
Accursed envy! He beneath the wreck
Of Babel lies and thence looks out and sees
Me in white garments on the mount of God
Going toward glory, and it rankles in him.
(_Women appear in the doorway._)
And so he seeks to terrify my soul
With: "Hide from the lightning! God is in it!"
As though I went toward Ramoth-Gilead
With Ahab's hand smoking with prophets' blood.
That is why he told you to tell me this.
But I will not be terrified by him.
(_Pierre backs out._)
Accursed envy! And you tell him so.
Much rather would he see the brother lost--
(_The women press too close and the crucifix
tumbles down the steps._)