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JOHN THE BAPTIST
JOHN THE BAPTIST
A PLAY
BY HERMANN SUDERMANN
TRANSLATED BY
BEATRICE MARSHALL
LONDON
JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD VIGO STREET W.
NEW YORK JOHN LANE COMPANY MCMIX
WILLIAM BRENDON AND SON, LTD., PRINTERS, PLYMOUTH
PERSONS IN THE PLAY
Herod Antipas. _Tetrarch of Galilee_.
Herodias.
Salome. _Her daughter_.
Vitellius. _Legate of Syria_.
Marcellus. _His companion_.
Merokles, _the rhetorician_. \
Gabalos, _the Syrian_. > _At the Court of Herod_.
Jabad, _the Levite_. /
John. _Called "The Baptist."_
Josaphat. \
Matthias. }
> _His disciples_.
Amarja. |
Manassa. /
Jael. _Josaphat's wife_.
Their two Children.
Hadidja. _Maid in the Palace_.
Miriam. \
Abi. > _Playfellows of Salome_.
Maecha. /
Mesulemeth. _A beggar-woman_.
Amasai. \
> _Pharisees_.
Jorab. /
Eliakim. \
Pasur. > _Citizens of Jerusalem_.
Hachmoni. /
Simon. _The Galilean_.
First Galilean.
Second Galilean.
A Paralytic.
First Priest.
Second Priest.
A Citizen of Jerusalem.
The Commander of the Roman Soldiers.
First \
Second > Roman Soldier.
Third /
The Captain of the Palace Guard.
The Gaoler.
Men and Women from Jerusalem, Pilgrims, Roman Legionaries, Men and
Maidservants in the Palace.
Time of Action. _The Year 29 after Christ_.
Scene of Action. _During the Prelude a rocky wilderness near
Jerusalem_.
In the First, Second, and Third Acts. _Jerusalem_.
In the Fourth and Fifth Acts. _A town of Galilee_.
PRELUDE
PRELUDE
_Wild, rocky scenery in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem.... Night--The
moon shining dimly through jagged clouds.... In the distance is seen
the fire of the great sacrificial altar, burning on the horizon._
SCENE I
_Dark shadows flit in groups across the background from right to left._
MIRIAM
Hadidja, I am afraid!
HADIDJA
Come!
MIRIAM
I am afraid. Seest thou not those gliding shadows? Their feet scarce
touch the stones, and their flesh is like the shadow of the night-wind.
HADIDJA
Fool that thou art! Thou art afraid of thy companions in misery and
suffering. The same need as thine brings them hither; the same hope
leads them on to the heights.
MIRIAM
Do they also wish to go to him?
HADIDJA
Every one wishes to go to him. Is there a light in Israel which doth
not irradiate from his hand? Is there water for the thirsty which doth
not flow from him? Streams of sweet water gush forth from these dead
stones, and his voice is born out of silence.
MIRIAM
But I am afraid of him. Why dwelleth he among the terrors of the
desert? Why flieth he from the paths of the joyous, and shunneth the
suffering?
HADIDJA
The joyous need him not. The suffering will find their way to him.
MIRIAM
Look, Hadidja! There is the glow of fire yonder above Jerusalem. The
Romans are burning down our houses, and yet we tarry here!
HADIDJA
What! Dost thou not know that is the great altar on which, day and
night, the priests offer up a tenth part of the sweat of our brows?
MIRIAM
[_In horrified amazement._] And would he let the great altar fall too?
HADIDJA
I know not. But what he willeth is best. See--who is coming?
SCENE II
_The same; two men, half carrying, half dragging a paralytic who
moans._
FIRST MAN
Women, say, have ye met the great Rabbi whom men call the Baptist?
HADIDJA
We also are seeking the Baptist.
[_The Paralytic, moaning._] Put me down; let me die!
FIRST MAN
We have carried this palsied man here in our arms, and they are weary,
and he whom we hoped to find is not here.
THE PARALYTIC
[_With a groan._] I shall die!
MANASSA'S VOICE
[_Crying aloud from the right._] John! John!
MANASSA
[_Rushing on the scene._] John, where art thou, John? I cry unto thee
in my distress. Have mercy; let me behold thee, John!
MIRIAM
[_Pointing to the left._] Look! A crowd of people are drawing near. They
go before him.
HADIDJA
Kneel; for it is he.
SCENE III
_The same. John, behind him a number of men and women, among them
Amarja._
JOHN
Whose wretchedness is so great that he wails aloud, and forgets that
grief should be silent?
MANASSA
[_Kneeling before him._] Rabbi, mighty Rabbi. If thou art he of whom
men are talking in the streets of Jerusalem, help me, save me!
JOHN
Stand up and speak.
MANASSA
I am Manassa, the son of Jeruel, and my father was sick and blind; and
I lived with him on the road to Gibeon, close by the well which is
never dry. And men came unto me who said, "It is the will of the Lord
our God that ye refuse to pay tribute to the Romans," and I refused to
pay the Romans tribute. Then have the soldiers fallen on me and burned
my house, and my young wife hath perished in the flames, and my father,
who was blind. And I am now left alone and desolate. Help me, Rabbi!
Help!
JOHN
Am I lord over Life and Death that I can make thy father, wife, and
child alive again? Can I build up thy house once more out of its ashes?
What dost thou ask of me?
MANASSA
Then cursed be those who----
JOHN
Stop! Cursings enough hang over us. Israel is loaded with them, like
the autumn boughs with ripe grapes. Wherefore dost thou lament? Look
before, instead of behind. If thou canst not withhold thy lamentations,
put a gag between thy teeth; for prayer should be silent, and longing
and patience without sound.
MANASSA
How shall that help me, Rabbi, in my loneliness and desolation?
JOHN
Thou speakest sinfully. Is He not with thee?
MANASSA
Rabbi! Who?
AMARJA
Hearken! He hath not heard the news of Him Who cometh!
JOHN
Know'st thou not that soon there will be rejoicing in Israel? Bridal
garments and music of cymbals! Know'st thou not that there will be no
more sorrow in Israel? Therefore wipe the foam from thy lips and
sanctify thyself.
ALL
Sanctify thyself!
MANASSA
No more sorrow. No more suffering! Rabbi, say that I may stay with
thee?
JOHN
Mix with thy fellows over there and learn silence.
MANASSA
[_Stammering._] Rabbi! [_He withdraws._]
JOHN
I see not Josaphat among ye. Neither is Matthias here. Who hath tidings
of them?
AMARJA
Rabbi, none hath seen them.
JOHN
Who is that lying on the ground groaning?
THE PARALYTIC
Master, I am a poor man, sick of a palsy and in great agony. If Thou
canst not cure me, I must die!
JOHN
Die _now_! Now, when One is at hand Who bringeth relief for thy tumours
and balm for thy sores? I say unto Thee thou wilt thank the Lord thy
God with shouts of joy for every hour of thy pain, for every inch of
the road thou hast crawled along on inflamed knees, when thou beholdest
Him for Whom our soul longeth and hopeth, for Whose coming we wait and
watch by the roadside, looking towards the East. Therefore endure
sevenfold suffering and groan no more.
THE PARALYTIC
Rabbi, thou hast done wonders for me. I feel no longer--I----[_He makes
an effort to rise, but sinks back. His companions lead him away. He
breathes more easily, laughing as he goes._]
MURMUR OF PEOPLE
See! a miracle. He works miracles!
ONE OF THE PEOPLE
Truly the word is fulfilled--Elias is risen. The Great Prophet is risen
from the dead!
ANOTHER
No, not Elias, not the Prophet! See ye not, ye blind? It is He Himself!
He is the promised One. Worship Him! worship Him!
ALL
[_Falling on their knees._] Worship Him!
JOHN
A man sick of a fever crawled along the road looking for the physician,
and when a beggar or a slave came by, carrying water, he fell on his
knees before him and cried, "Hail to thee, great physician! Thank God,
thou art come!" And so he went on till evening, and the children mocked
him. [_The people rise slowly._] What have I, the beggar, to give you?
The water I carry is to baptize you in; it is the pure water of
repentance. But He Who cometh after me will baptize with fire and the
Spirit, and I am not worthy to unlatch His shoes, ... so little am I
compared with Him.
SEVERAL
Rabbi, tell us, when will He come of Whom thou speakest?
OTHERS
Who is it, Rabbi? Be merciful and strengthen our souls. Speak to us of
Him.
JOHN
Then sit ye down in a circle and hear the oft-told tidings, ye
insatiable ones. [_The people crouch on the ground._]
MIRIAM
Hadidja, what is he going to tell us?
HADIDJA
Be silent.
MIRIAM
Let me take thy hand, Hadidja.
JOHN
It was on the banks of Jordan that I baptized all, according to the
command of the Lord. Many people were gathered round me and hearkened
to what I preached, but my soul was consumed with doubt and misgiving.
Then, lo, a youth came down from the cliffs above, and he was alone,
and all the people drew back. And as I raised my eyes to his face, I
knew that this was He, for the glory of eternity shone round about Him.
And when He spake with me, and prayed me to baptize Him as if He were a
sinner, I trembled and refused, saying, "I would be baptized by Thee,
but _Thou_ comest to me?" And He made answer, "So be it, for thus shall
the law be fulfilled." Then I yielded, and let it be as He desired. And
when He had received Baptism from my trembling hand, He rose from the
water, and behold, the Heavens opened above Him and I saw the Holy
Ghost descending like a white dove, and He was bathed in the Heavenly
light. And a voice out of Heaven spake, "Behold, this is My Beloved
Son, in Whom I am well pleased." Then I fell on my face and prayed. And
I was no longer afraid.
ONE OF THE CROWD
[_After a pause._] And whence came He, He Who was thus illumined by the
radiance of the Lord?
ALL
Yes, whence came He, and whither did He go? Didst thou not hold Him?
JOHN
Plague me not with questions. He cometh and goeth, and no man holdeth
Him. At this very hour He may be sitting in our midst.
ALL
[_Turn on each other a scared and inquiring gaze._]
AMARJA
Rabbi, we are all poor workpeople from Jerusalem, and every one knoweth
his fellow.
ONE OF THE CROWD
[_Pointing to Miriam._] Yes, we men! But here is a woman whom I never
saw before.
HADIDJA
Her name is Miriam, and she serves as maid in the Palace, as I do.
JOHN
Leave her in peace.
ANOTHER
But if He of Whom thou speakest dwells among the living, He must bear a
name, and His Father's name.
ALL
Yea; tell us His name. His name?
JOHN
Ye would hear his name? Listen to the wind whispering among the rocks,
mark well what it saith ere it vanisheth. So His name, heard first here
and then there, passed by my ear. I am waiting with prayer and anxiety
to hear it again. Therefore I say unto you, Question me not further,
lest it melt away like a dream when the cock croweth.
AMARJA
Yet give us withal some guidance. Whence came He to thee--He----
JOHN
The wind which wafted Him to me blew from Galilee.
ALL
From Galilee!
ONE
Is then the Messiah the Galileans', the fisheaters'?
ANOTHER
He shall come to us Judaeans! Up, and let us seek Him!
ALL
Aye, let us seek Him!
JOHN
Think ye that He will permit Himself to be found by you? Ye miserable
creatures full of mutiny and revolt! Who are ye that ye should alter
the course of the world's history by a hair's breadth? When the time
for His harvest is ripe, then He shall appear to you of His own free
will in glory as the Lord of Hosts. The four cherubim shall ride before
Him on caparisoned horses, with flaming sickles in their hands....
Whatsoever hath been planted in sin and hath grown up rankly, that
shall be mown down, root and branch; whatsoever hath reared itself
against Him shall be trampled upon. Therefore, ye men of Israel, root
up the weeds that flourish and encumber your bodies, so that ye do not
rot, and in your corruption are not swept away with your polluters when
_He_ draweth near with the seven-coloured rainbow about His head. He
Who shall come must come [_reflectively_], must come!
ONE OF THE CROWD
Rabbi, we have repented of our sins. We pray day and night, and our
bodies are emaciated from fasting. Say, what more can we do?
SCENE IV
_The same. Josaphat. Matthias._
JOHN
Josaphat, so thou art here. And thou, Matthias.
JOSAPHAT
Master, chide us not for having lingered. We paused by Herod's Palace,
which, as a rule, is dark and deserted. We saw rosy lights kindled, and
the pillars garlanded with flowers. Fresh ignominy shall befall Israel,
more deadly sin weigh upon her, if thou, Rabbi, comest not to the
rescue.
JOHN
Speak out!
JOSAPHAT
Herod hath not come out of Galilee, as every year before, for the
Passover. He is not expected till to-morrow. Another guest hath
arrived. The wife of Philip, Herod's brother, hath deserted him, and
taken with her Salome, Philip's daughter.
The guest at the Palace is called Herodias, and to-morrow the marriage
feast is to be celebrated.
JOHN
Between Herod and the wife of his own brother?
JOSAPHAT
Thou sayest right, Rabbi.
JOHN
No! No! Whoever hath told thee this informed thee falsely. His lips
were shameless, and his soul lied.
AMARJA
Pardon, Rabbi; there are maids here belonging to the Palace....
Question them.
JOHN
Hadidja, I know thee. Speak!
HADIDJA
Rabbi, my place is menial. I only hear what the idle gossips say. But
here is Miriam. She has been chosen as the playmate of the young maiden
Salome since she came yesterday. She waits on her at the bath. Question
her!
JOHN
Miriam, why art thou silent?
HADIDJA
Rabbi, she hath never yet conversed with strangers.
MIRIAM
[_In a low, stuttering tone._] Master, it is true what that man saith.
And----[_Emotion._]
JOHN
Continue!
MIRIAM
And after the wedding, on the first day of the Passover, Herodias is to
enter the Temple, as far as the women's outer court, her new consort
leading her by the hand. They will show themselves to the people.
JOHN
That the people may stone them? But what am I saying? They dare not!
Those priests, lustful as they are, cowards cringing in the dust at the
feet of the Romans, dare not permit this! The iron gates will close
upon the scandal, and the High Priest will stretch forth his arm to
curse them!
HADIDJA
Speak, Miriam!
JOHN
What else hast thou to say, Miriam?
MIRIAM
Master, at this very hour, messengers are passing to and fro between
Herodias and the Temple. The Princess desireth that the High Priest
shall meet them at the second gate, where the men and women separate,
to bless her----
JOHN
Enough! Go home, all of you. I wish to be alone. To-morrow ye will see
me at Jerusalem. [_Horror amongst the people._]
ONE OF THE CROWD
Rabbi, wilt thou be responsible for thy enemies?
OTHERS
Reflect, Rabbi! The Pharisees will trap thee. The priests will condemn
thee.
JOHN
I am the son of a priest. I will speak priestly words to those who
countenance this infamous crime. I will speak to them in the name of
Him Who cometh, for Whom I prepare the way. Go! [_As they appear
unwilling and hesitate._] Go! [_The curtain falls._]
FIRST ACT
FIRST ACT
_Square in front of the Palace of Herod--The guardroom of the Roman
soldiers is to the right of the Palace in the foreground, with benches
before the door--To the right of centre is the chief entrance--Steps in
background, which lead to the top of a hill--Behind, separated by an
invisible valley, is a view of rising masses of house-tops belonging to
another part of the town--A narrow street to the left of centre, and
another street in foreground, which may be taken as a continuation of
the one that runs to right of guard-room--In it is the shop of the
woollen merchant_ Eliakim--_At its right corner the shop of the
fruit-seller_ Pasur, _with wares exhibited--A fountain with seats round
it, near the middle of the stage._
SCENE I
_Eliakim, Pasur. First, second, third common soldiers._
PASUR
[_As he comes forward glances anxiously at the soldiers, who sit in
front of guard-room._] Neighbour, neighbour, dost thou not hear me?
ELIAKIM
[_Sitting outside his shop reading a parchment_] It is written that
whosover disturbeth a man when he is reading the law shall forfeit his
life.
PASUR
Thou readest the law?
ELIAKIM
Knowest thou not that I read the law day and night?
PASUR
Forgive me, neighbour; accuse me not. I sinned out of ignorance.... I
was in fear of the soldiers who are quartered yonder ... but I am going
in. [_Slinks back to his shop._]
FIRST SOLDIER
[_To the second who sharpens his sword._] Marcus, wherefore handiest
thou thy blade with such terrific zeal? There is naught to hew down in
there. These damned Judeans have had enough. They'll rebel no more.
SECOND SOLDIER
Who can tell? Since that woman entered there yesterday, my nostrils
have scented bloodshed. Everything is upside down in Herod's house, and
your so-called princes are ticklish subjects.
FIRST SOLDIER
Here in Judea they have none; so we are masters.
SECOND SOLDIER
We are masters everywhere, with or without a Herod.
FIRST SOLDIER
What brings the Tetrarch of Galilee to Jerusalem?
SECOND SOLDIER
Yes, well mayest thou ask! Yet he cometh twice or thrice in the year to
rub his nose on the fleeces of the Temple, and then away he goes again.
God requires it of him, so they say. A crazy people!
FIRST SOLDIER
And we must stand by as guard of honour. A nice business for a Roman
citizen!
SCENE II
_The same, Hadidja and two other maids_ (_with jugs on their heads,
come out of the Palace and go to the well, where they draw water_).
SECOND SOLDIER
Idiot! We are bound to do it, so that we may appear to honour him. In
reality we guard him. He will soon be here now.
THIRD SOLDIER
[_Who has been squatting on a brick, without taking any part in
conversation, sings._] Sweet smiling Lalage, thee will I love for ever.
Thee, sweet smiling Lalage----
SECOND SOLDIER
[_Irritably._] Have done howling after thy Lalage! Before thou goest
back to Rome again, she will be a grandmother.
THIRD SOLDIER
[_Stretching out his arms._] Alack! Yes.
SECOND SOLDIER
[_Pointing to the maids._] Are not there women enough here?
THIRD SOLDIER
Ah! but they are Jew girls. They mean well enough, but the punishment
of death hangs over them.
SECOND SOLDIER
A crazy people.
THIRD SOLDIER
If only there were no foreigners! I, for my part, take not kindly to
these Asiatics. They wash all day long, and yet stink in spite of
it.... Ha! yesterday a Syrian sweetheart made me a present of a
necklace. There it is. Shall we dice for it?
SECOND SOLDIER
Show it to me. I say fifty denarii.
THIRD SOLDIER
Rogue! A hundred and fifty!
SECOND SOLDIER
Very well.
FIRST SOLDIER
I will join.
THIRD SOLDIER
Come along. [_All three disappear into the guard-room._]
SCENE III
_Eliakim, Pasur, Hadidja, and the two other maids. Two Priests_
[_descending the central steps_].
FIRST PRIEST
Damsels, you belong to the Palace?
HADIDJA
Yes, ye priests.
FIRST PRIEST
Announce us to your mistress.
HADIDJA
Our mistress, priests, is gone forth to meet the Tetrarch Herod, to
receive him at the gates.
FIRST PRIEST
When will she return?
HADIDJA
That we cannot say, priests; it depends on the coming of the Prince.
FIRST PRIEST
Do you desire our blessing?
HADIDJA
No! [_She vanishes with the other maids into the interior of the
Palace._]
BOTH PRIESTS
[_Look discomposed._]
FIRST PRIEST
[_Observing Eliakim and Pasur sitting in front of their doors, raises
his hands unctuously._] Blessed be ye who----
ELIAKIM
No one asked thy blessing!
BOTH PRIESTS
[_Regard each other in dismay._]
SECOND PRIEST
[_Furiously._] These again are of the school of the Pharisees!
FIRST PRIEST
We hold the Temple. They shall yet be our servants. Come! [_Exeunt both
priests._]
SCENE IV
PASUR
[_Drawing near humbly._] Forgive me, neighbour, but now thou no longer
readest in the law?
ELIAKIM
No.
PASUR
This will be a sorry Passover for us tradesmen. See all this fine stock
which I have laid in. There is the sacred pomegranate wood, whereon to
roast the lamb. Here are the sweet herbs, with which to prepare the
holy broth, and here are the bitter roots, the garlic, cresses, and bay
leaves, all according to the precept. In six, or at latest seven hours
the feast begins, and I shall be left stranded with my whole stock on
hand. Oh, woe is me! Woe is me!
ELIAKIM
Well, have I not also superior and holy wares for sale? There are
stuffs of the very finest quality. Beautiful tassels of white and
hyacinth-blue wool. And are not my Tephillims the most beautiful ever
worn by a son of Abraham at morning prayer? Nay, Abraham himself never
wore a finer Tephillim. I believe I have eighteen dozen or more. But
one should take no thought of bodily raiment, but read the Scriptures.
So it is written.
PASUR
But, neighbour, the man who deals in vegetables does not find it so
easy to be righteous in the sight of the Lord. Thy woollen goods will
keep till Herod is gone again with his new wife.
ELIAKIM
[_Shakes his fist at the Palace._] It's a shame, a crying shame!
PASUR
Yes; once this was always a good spot for business, but now grass
groweth in front of the Palace.
ELIAKIM
Only _priests_ go in and out.
SCENE V
_The same. A citizen of Jerusalem_ [_who comes to fill his pitcher at
the fountain_].
CITIZEN
[_Distressfully._] Neighbour, dear neighbour!
ELIAKIM
What is thy trouble?
CITIZEN
Thou art a righteous man and knowest the law. Give me advice, and thou
shalt have my thanks. My poor wife has hurt her foot while working in
the fields. It is burning and swollen, and I bathe it with cold water
from the fountain, which does it good. But in a short time beginneth
the feast. May I continue with the bathing then?
ELIAKIM
Sabbath breaking. Thou wilt be guilty, and deserve death.
THE CITIZEN
Oh, Lord eternal!
ELIAKIM
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
Look at them! Must this not appear a mad mockery in the sight of the
Lord? Who that follows the straight path laid down by the law, after
the manner of God-fearing men, can have anything in common with these
sinners?
JORAB
They are infatuated with the Baptist's preaching, and yet too weak to
kick against the pricks. Speak to them, so that they come to
themselves.
AMASAI
After the Baptist? Rather would I grasp a mad bull by the horns. They
would go up to the Temple to make an offering of sow's blood, if he
bade them do it.
JORAB
Cannot we trap him?
AMASAI
And so stand before the people as the friends of Herod? Leave that kind
of fame to the Priests and the Sadducees. The disaffection which we
quelled, at a signal from him, screams aloud in the gutter. So what
good have we done? That is why the people flock to him. We have missed
our opportunity. But still; I know a way to entangle him. I will strike
at him through his folly about the Messiah. [_Shouts of applause arise
from the people._] Listen! so they once hailed us. [_They withdraw
further into the street to the left._]
SCENE VII
_The same, without Amasai and Jorab. John, accompanied by Josaphat,
Matthias, and Manassa and afresh crowd. People appear behind left._
JOHN
[_Throwing himself down on the edge of the fountain._]
JOSAPHAT
See, Rabbi, what power hath been given thee. They wag their tails like
pleased hounds. Jerusalem the Blessed lies at thy feet.
JOHN
Give me to drink!
MANASSA
[_Draws him water._]
HACHMONI
Behold! The great prophet drinks as if he were one of us----
PASUR
That is goat's hair wherewith he is clothed. It must prick his skin. It
shows what a holy man he is.
ELIAKIM
But he doth not favour the woollen trade. If all were so holy, we
should be beggared.
HACHMONI
And his food, people say, is nought but locusts and wild honey.
MATTHIAS
Get back. See ye not that ye plague him? [_They retire._]
JOSAPHAT
Rabbi, forgive. The people wait. What is thy command to them?
JOHN
Is this Herod's house?
JOSAPHAT
Yes, Rabbi [_silence_]. Rabbi, say, what shall they do?
JOHN
Am I the keeper of these people? The shepherd may drive his flock
through thorns or flowers. I pine for the wilderness, for my rocky
fastnesses.
JOSAPHAT
[_Dismayed._] Rabbi!
JOHN
I have awakened the slumbering conscience, scourged and roused the
idle, shown the erring the right road. One great burst of indignation
against Herod now flames towards heaven. So now they may let me go my
way, or send their spies after me. But no priest has yet dared to stand
in my path. It is well. My work in Jerusalem is at an end.
MATTHIAS
Not so, Rabbi. Thy work only beginneth. We have to face the Prince's
entry. The people want a leader.
JOHN
Whither will they be led?
MATTHIAS
That we know not, Rabbi.
JOHN
And do I know? Am I one to subject my will to the fetters of a plan, or
to spin a web of calculations for others? I am the voice of one crying
in the wilderness. That is my destiny. Come! [_He stands up._]
THE PEOPLE
Hail to thee, John! Hail! [_As he is going, Amasai and Jorab step in
his way._]
SCENE VIII
_The same. Amasai, Jorab._
AMASAI
Pardon us, great Prophet, that we have not yet been present at thy
baptisms.
JOHN
Who are ye?
JOSAPHAT
[_Whispering._] Be on your guard, Rabbi. They wear the wide hem of the
Pharisees. Their brethren are high in the Council.
AMASAI
We are diligent scribes, simple men, to whom the study of the law hath
brought more honour than we deserve.
JOHN
May be. But what do ye want with me?
AMASAI
Many reports of miracles worked by thee have come to our ears. Some say
thou art Elias; and others, even greater than he. We are willing to
believe this, even if thou performest not his miracles. Naturally
thou mayest have reasons in thy heart for keeping thy power of
miracle-working a secret from us.
PASUR
Hath he worked miracles?
ELIAKIM
Not for me.
PASUR
Ah!
AMASAI
We have heard, too, much of thy godliness; that thou fastest and
prayest as one to whom meat and drink and earthly intercourse are of no
account. We fast and pray also, and our desire for doing good cannot be
satisfied. But the law is harder and more zealous than we. Therefore we
beg thee to be so gracious as to bestow on us the benefit of thy
teaching, Rabbi, and to tell us how we can keep the law.
JOHN
So? Ye lay traps for me under the cloak of your glib words. Ye
generation of vipers! Who hath told you that ye shall escape the wrath
to come? Woe unto you, when He cometh Who is stronger than I! He hath
His sickle already in His hand. He will gather the grain into His barn,
but the chaff He will burn with everlasting fire.
PASUR
Of whom doth he speak?
HACHMONI
Hush! he speaks of the Messiah.
ELIAKIM
What Messiah?
JORAB
Come, Amasai. I am afraid of this man.
AMASAI
[_Shielding himself with his hand._] We approached thee as petitioners,
and thou hast abused us. We will let that pass, presuming that thou
hast a right thereto. The one of whom thou speakest as coming after
thee has given thee the right. Is it not so? [_Silence._] Behold, ye
people of Israel, your prophet is silent. If it be not the Messiah,
the Messiah of Whom he preaches in the wilderness, and even in the
market-place, who hath given him the right to chide us? Where else hath
he obtained his authority? Ye know what we are, God-fearing, upright
men, that strive to obey the law in everything.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE
Who is this?
ELIAKIM
Amasai, the wise and learned scribe.
PEOPLE
[_Murmuring._] Listen, it is Amasai.
ANOTHER
Rabbi, wilt thou not bless us?
AMASAI
Yea, we, in short, who are a piece of the law ourselves. And we have
never done this man any harm. If he is an enemy to us, it must be
because he is an enemy to the law.
JOHN
Thou liest.
AMASAI
Good. If I lie, so teach me, great prophet, how thou keepest the law.
JOSAPHAT
[_In a low voice._] Yes, Rabbi, explain! The people expect it.
JOHN
I have nothing to do with the law, of which ye and your like set up to
be guardians and students. [_Sensation among the people._]
JOSAPHAT
[_Sotto voce._] Rabbi, think what thou art saying. Injure not thyself.
JOHN
Nay, it is not your law, but ye yourselves that I hate. For your hand
lieth heavily on this people, and your well-being is its affliction.
AMASAI
That thou hast yet to prove, great prophet.
JOHN
Who are ye, ye men of worldly wisdom, that ye should look on the law as
your special inheritance and possession? Here is an enslaved people
crawling patiently on its belly beneath a scourge, oppressed by a heavy
burden, and ye desire to tell it _how_ it shall crawl.
AMASAI
Yea, because it must crawl somehow, great prophet.
JOHN
Ye think so. I say that it shall rise out of the dust.
AMASAI
Thus have rebels ever spoken, and the end hath always been the cross
and the gallows. Thou, whom men call the great prophet, listen to me!
When the Lord redeemed His people the first time, how did He do it?
Through the law. And when He redeemed them a second time, knowest thou
how He did it? Through the law. So if we guard and watch this law, and
let it expand by itself, swelling like an ear of corn, a thousand times
into a thousandfold blessings, what is our object? Redemption, the hope
which lives in all of us. Only we do not noise it abroad in the gutter
and on the housetops.
PEOPLE
[_Murmuring._] There he is right. Aye, he is right!
SCENE IX
_The same. A troop of pilgrims have come up by degrees and slake their
thirst at the fountain. Among them Simon the Galilean._
AMASAI
See! Look around thee. Behold these pilgrims! They come with their
knapsacks from far distant lands: from Egypt, from Euphrates, and
Syria, and from the accursed city of Rome itself. They are indifferent
to hunger and thirst, the heat of the sun, and the dust of the road.
And wherefore have they come? Because of this very law, which I and my
brethren guard and study. And if thou sayest thou hast nothing to do
with this law, and hatest it, tell us, then, what law thou lovest?
Where do the Commandments leave off which the Lord made for His people,
and where begin the vain works of men? Enlighten us, great prophet, and
scold us not.
JOHN
[_Is silent, and uncertain what to say._]
JOSAPHAT
I warned thee, Rabbi!
AMASAI
[_With a laugh of scorn._] Now see, all of you. See! Methinks the
great---- [_Breaks off as a woman, sickly and heavily loaded, comes
accidentally near to him. He turns round in anger._] Touch me not, lest
I become unclean! I am a Rechabite!
SIMON THE GALILEAN
[_To the woman._] No; touch _him_ not, lest _thou_ becomest unclean.
AMASAI
What?
SIMON THE GALILEAN
For the Pharisees who call themselves Rechabites are unclean from
within. Come! [_Leads her to the fountain._]
AMASAI
He denies God!
THE PEOPLE
[_Murmuring._] He denies God!
AMASAI
A Rechabite unclean? A man who doth nothing day and night but fulfil
the law; who performeth his sacred ablutions three times more than
necessary; who sitteth, on the Sabbath, like a monument; who speaketh a
blessing at meat twice, and over salt, bread er----er--[_half
choking._] A Rechabite unclean?
JOHN
If I could not answer thy questions with their double meaning, thou
thyself hast now answered them!
AMASAI
And may seven swine possess thee, thou great prophet, so that compared
with them thou appearest to me a saint. [_To the Galilean._] And what
evil spirit hath taken possession of thee, man? Art thou a Jew? Where
dost thou come from? What is thy name?
MATTHIAS
[_In a low voice._] Tell him not thy name. He will ruin thee.
SIMON THE GALILEAN
[_Calmly._] I am a Jew. My name is Simon, and I come from Galilee.
AMASAI
And as one that there knoweth Law and Sacrifice----
SIMON THE GALILEAN
[_Interrupting._] Greater than law, greater than sacrifice, is love!
[_Sensation and dismay among people_]
AMASAI
See ye not now that he is guilty against the law? [_He continues
speaking earnestly to the people_]
JOHN
[_Approaching the Galilean in great excitement._] Who taught thee that?
[_As Simon is silent, more urgently._] Who taught thee that?
MATTHIAS
[_In a quick, low tone to the Galilean._] Before they capture thee,
fly!
SIMON THE GALILEAN [_Shakes his head._]
JOHN
This knowledge, that comes straight from thy simple and timid heart,
awes me, for it cannot be thine own. [_The people, hounded on by
Amasai, jostle the Galilean_] Back! In the Name of Him Who cometh, keep
back. Leave him alone! [_People retreat._]
PASUR
Thou playest with us and our great longing as if we were toys.
AMASAI
Ah, now I have caught thee! Thou who poisonest a thirsty people with
foul water! Where is He Who shall come? Where is thy Messiah? Where is
the King of the Jews? Aye, show Him to us!
THE PEOPLE
[_Fiercely._] Yea, woe to thee if thou canst not show Him to us!
JOHN
[_Firmly._] Here cometh the King of the Jews whom ye acclaim!
SCENE X
_The same. Herod, Herodias, Salome and their train appear above in the
background. The company of soldiers, with their officers, have posted
themselves at the Palace gates. In silence the procession descends._
ONE OF THE TRAIN
Hail to Herod! [_Still silence._] Now, ye dogs! Cry, Hail!
HEROD
At what are the people gaping? [_To the Commander of the Guard._] Ye,
who in obedience to Rome's command are here to protect me, cannot you
clear them out of my way?
THE SOLDIERS
[_At a sign from their Captain begin to charge the people with lowered
spears._]
AMASAI
[_Who is standing in the foremost row. Turns with a shrill cry._] Woe!
woe! [_Takes fight._]
[_Jorab follows him. The people retreat with a subdued exclamation of
fear. John alone stands his ground, his head held high, and measures
Herod with his glance._]
SALOME
[_Raising her veil._] Mother, look at that man. It is the same who
stood in the market-place and at the gates and everywhere where we have
passed.
HEROD
And everywhere caused dissension.
SALOME
Look! His eyes flash fire! Mother, look!
HEROD
Come along, ye women. And if the pious citizens of Jerusalem have
unlearnt the way to welcome with rejoicing the representative of the
great race of Herod [_with a glance at the Captain of the Guard_],
Rome, I hope, will teach it to them again. [_The Captain shrugs his
shoulders with a slight smile._]
HEROD
Come, I pray. [_Herod, Herodias, Salome, go with their train into the
Palace; the common soldiers into the guard-room._]
SCENE XII
_Johannes, Josaphat, Matthias, Manassa, Hachmoni, Pasur, the people._
HACHMONI
[_At the head of a group, pressing forward_] Pardon us, great prophet.
The Pharisees have fled like cowards. But, see, we cling to thee. So
now help us.
THE PEOPLE
Help us!
JOHN
[_As if in a dream._] Tell me, whither hath the man from Galilee gone?
MANASSA
Rabbi, we know not.
JOHN
Then seek him. Bring him to me.
MANASSA
Yes, Rabbi.
ALL THE PEOPLE
Tarry with us, great prophet. Help us! We flee to thee.
JOHN
[_Pondering in uncertainty._] Matthias, Josaphat, did he not say Love?
[_The curtain falls_].
SECOND ACT
SECOND ACT
_Hall in Roman style of architecture in Herod 's Palace--On the right
side, a balcony upheld by pillars, which extends the whole depth of the
stage, and to which a fight of steps leads--Off the balcony a door
opens into Salome's room--Underneath, on the ground floor, another
door--In the centre of the background is the chief entrance--On the
left, a window--Near it a couch and other furniture--To the right,
between the pillars of the balcony, is a divan--Carpets and tiger-skins
on the floor--A mixture of Roman and Oriental luxury._
SCENE I
_Maecha, Miriam, Abi_ [_on the balcony_]. _After them, Salome._
THE DAMSELS
[_Stepping cautiously and listening._]
SALOME
[_Through the door._] Is it safe? No one there?
MAECHA
Not a sound of anyone.
SALOME
Then, come! [_They skip down the stairs._]
SALOME
Ah, here it is light, and one can see oneself reflected in the walls.
Do you know why we have been suddenly mewed up in the apartments above?
Yesterday we were allowed to wander as we listed through all the
passages, to dance unveiled in the gardens, and peep through the
railings and mock the passers-by. But to-day, since my uncle came, we
have had to sit moping in sackcloth and ashes. Why? Do none of you know
why?
MAECHA
Mistress, the house is now filled with strangers who were not here
yesterday. And, it is said that the men who are in the Tetrarch's
following run after young maidens.
SALOME
Let them! I am not afraid of any men.... I take them as I find them....
I love them.
ABI
Thou knowest men, mistress?
SALOME
I mean not the men of our own people! They wear beards on their chins
like forests, and before one can look round, they stand there
barefooted, and then people say---- No; I mislike that. But once, when
I was with my father in Antioch, I met pale youths with golden brown
hair, and they wore red shoes and smelt of perfumes.... They were
Greeks, my father said, real Greeks from Hellas.... They smiled, and it
made me thrill.... Why dost thou stand there sulking, Miriam, and
listenest not to my converse? It doth not please thee? Laugh, or I'll
beat thee. If thou laughest not, I'll have thee whipped!
MIRIAM
Let me be whipped, mistress.
SALOME
Where wert thou last night? The palace guards said thou wouldst visit
thy sweetheart.... Thou hast a lover? [_Roguishly._] Whisper his name
in my ear and I'll give thee a gold pin.
MIRIAM
I have no one that loveth me, mistress.
SALOME
The language of you Judeans hath an insipid flavour, and your eyes
dissemble. Yet, I love Jerusalem. A purple haze hangs over its gables.
And it seemeth to me ever as if the sun in Jerusalem kissed one
secretly. But ye could not understand how that is ... ye have not the
blood of the great Herod in your veins. My mother hath it, and I have
it from her.... And whatever they may say in Jerusalem, my mother was
wise to run away from that other husband, for the one here is of more
account than he. And because she was so wise, and at the same time so
sadly foolish, I love her, and will share the consequences of her
folly. [_She flings herself on the couch._] I am not displeasing to my
uncle Herod.... I have remarked that he casts stolen glances at me....
Now when my mother scolds me I shall know how to tease her! [_Trills
forth._] I am the Rose of Sharon, a flower of the valley. Cometh not my
friend into his garden to eat of---- Miriam, where does that window
look out?
MIRIAM
I do not know, mistress. I have never been in this hall before.
SALOME
Go and see.
MIRIAM
[_Looks out of the window and starts._]
SALOME
Why dost thou start?
MIRIAM
Did I, mistress?
SALOME
Tell me what thou seest?
MIRIAM
There are many people standing round a fountain, and----
SALOME
And?
MIRIAM
I cannot----
SALOME
[_Stands up and goes to window._] Ah! [_Looking out for a moment in
silence._] Miriam, who is that?
MIRIAM
[_Confused._] Whom dost thou mean, mistress?
SALOME
Is there anyone else but him?... Miriam, thou gentle, brown Miriam
[_half threateningly_], deny him not!
MIRIAM
It is--John--the Baptist.
ABI, MAECHA
[_Hurrying up, all curiosity._] The Baptist?
SALOME
Let him be who he be. See how the people surge round him! Have ye ever
in your valley seen a rock bend? He doth not bend. Ha! ha! Not he! Only
if--perhaps---- [_She stretches out her arms._]
SCENE II
_The same. Herodias_. [_Enters from centre._]
MAECHA
Mistress, thy mother!
THE THREE MAIDENS
[_Withdraw quickly from the window._]
HERODIAS
What are ye doing here, damsels? Salome thou! Shall we let it be said
that we have brought evil manners into Jerusalem?
SALOME
[_Intending to wound, but outwardly meek._] Methinks it is said
already.
HERODIAS
[_Enraged._] Go!
SALOME
Yes, mother. [_She crosses over, and lingers between the pillars of the
balcony._]
HERODIAS
Ye damsels, stay! Ye are Judeans?
MAECHA
Yes, mistress.
HERODIAS
Intelligence hath reached me of one they call the Baptist stirring up
rebellion in the streets. Which of you know the man?
MAECHA
She does.
ABI
She hath this moment confessed it.
HERODIAS
What dost thou know of him?
MIRIAM
That last night I sat at his feet praying.
SALOME
[_Coming forward_] Thou? Thou?
MAECHA
Pardon! A moment ago he was standing close to the Palace.
HERODIAS
Show him to me.
MAECHA
[_From the window_] Now is he gone.
HERODIAS
[_To Miriam_] So speed after him, and when thou hast found him, bring
him privately through yonder gate. [_Points below to the right_]
SALOME
She shall not.... I will not ... _Not_ her!
HERODIAS
Why not?
SALOME
[_Throwing her arms round Miriam_] She is dearest to me. I will not let
her go out of my sight. [_Comes over and supplicates Herodias_] Mother!
HERODIAS
Art thou still such a child? [_To Miriam._] Go!
SALOME
[_Angrily._] Miriam!
[_Exit Miriam._
HERODIAS
Such a child, and already hast the tooth of a serpent in thy mouth!
SALOME
[_Kneels on the couch before her mother and encircles her knees with
her arms._] Forgive me, mother. We, thou and I, are not like others. We
sting those we love.
HERODIAS
[_Sotto voce._] And those we hate?
SALOME
[_Sotto voce._] We kiss!
HERODIAS
[_Laughing._] Child! [_She kisses her._]
SALOME
[_Laughing._] Thou kissest me!
SCENE III
_The same. The Palace Captain._
PALACE CAPTAIN
My master, the Tetrarch Herod, would see thee, mistress.
HERODIAS
[_In growing anxiety covers Salomes' face with her veil._] Go, make
haste; go!
SALOME
Mother, I am dull in the upstair chambers. May I not stay near thee?
HERODIAS
[_Looking towards the door._] Go, instantly!
SALOME
[_Slowly climbs the stairs with her companions._]
HERODIAS
Thou art Captain in the Palace?
THE PALACE CAPTAIN
[_Bows._]
HERODIAS
Go, set watches at every door. Who entereth goeth not out again.... And
keep silent.
THE PALACE CAPTAIN
One has but to see thee to know that thou art the mistress.... How
should I not be silent? [_Goes to the door._]
SCENE IV
_The same. Herod, Gabalos, Merokles, Jabad. The Palace Captain_ [_exit
when the others enter_].
HEROD
Princess, after waiting even the space of a moment, a man will enjoy
his favours to the full.... Therefore ... [_Kisses her on brow and
mouth._] Pardon!
HERODIAS
Thou hast rested; art refreshed?
HEROD
That question thou oughtst not to ask me. My father was one of those
men who never knew what weariness was. So his son, likewise, parts
company with his pillow betimes, and---- [_He observes Salome who, with
her veil slightly lifted, looks down from the balcony, and after she
sees that he has noticed her, vanishes._]
HERODIAS
Thou art silent.
HEROD
Thy daughter is not with thee?
HERODIAS
[_Dryly._] No.
HEROD
[_Bows his head, smiling._] Allow me, Princess ... to present these
friends.... I will not call them servants, for such they are not.
MEROKLES
Oh, mistress, they are servants whom thou mayest safely make thy
friends.
JABAD
And they are friends in order that they may serve thee.
GABALOS
And are amply rewarded for both, great mistress.
HEROD
[_Smiling._] This rascal, whose Syrian dialect thou art now acquainted
with for the first time, is Gabalos from Antioch. Thou seest, I
tolerate his jesting.
GABALOS
For Herod the Great also kept a Fool.
HERODIAS
And people say that he acquired a second Fool before he let the first
drown.
GABALOS
[_Bows, smiling, then turns aside with a grimace._]
HEROD
This is Merokles, the rhetorician. His voice carries far. It is heard
in Rome, when folks there would overhear my own.
MEROKLES
But I shall take no satisfaction in that voice till it may greet thee,
mistress, with the cry "Hail to thee, O Queen!"
HERODIAS
[_Winces, then smiles and exchanges a glance with Herod._]
MEROKLES
[_Sotto voce, joining Gabalos._] Thou madest a good hit; I a better.
HEROD
And in contrast to this cool flatterer, here is Jabad the Levite, my
guide and my conscience ever since I set foot on Jewish soil. For, by
Bacchus, he knows exactly what I have to do, every moment, in order to
be pious, after the manner of my pious people.
GABALOS
[_Sotto voce._] He acts as if he had forgotten the way.
MEROKLES
[_Sotto voce._] For by so doing he thinks he will the more resemble his
father.
HEROD
As an example, what ought I to be doing at this sacred moment?
JABAD
The sun is sinking, oh master. Thy Passover lamb, one year old and
flawless, hath been slaughtered in the Temple. It is now in the yard to
be blessed. Thou, as the lord and master of this house----
HEROD
Must do it myself?
JABAD
Thine illustrious father did not, and there was, on that account,
grumbling amongst the people.
HEROD
Blessing is cleaner work than slaughter. I will do it. See, ye wise
Greeks, that we must serve the gods in order to rule over men! And in
the end we serve to no purpose. [_He motions them away. To Jabad._] Go
and make ready, and I will follow thee. [_Exeunt Gabalos, Merokles, and
Jabad._]
SCENE V
_Herod, Herodias_ [_later Salome with Maecha, on the balcony. Herod and
Herodias stand together a few moments in silence._]
HERODIAS
Art thou content?
HEROD
Thy kindness oppresses me. Whether thou art content seemeth to me of
more importance.
HERODIAS
[_Feeling his tone of contempt._] I have had no roof over my head for
three nights. Like a tramp I have wandered in the dust of the roads. My
serving-women one by one deserted me. Only Salome hath not forsaken me.
I have robbed her of her father; the father I have robbed of his child.
And what I have robbed my husband of thou canst estimate better than it
beseemeth me. See, all this I have done for thee!
HEROD
I have abandoned my wife, who also said she loved me. She flew to her
father. He now maketh ready for war to avenge his child's wrong. Only a
trifle is lacking: I have no army. In Rome I am threatened with
disgrace; my brother curses me; Judea points the finger of scorn at
me.... So little have I done for thee----
HERODIAS
And thou repentest this little already?
HEROD
No! only forgive me if I blame thy coming too soon.
HERODIAS
Too soon! Was warmer welcome ever heard than this "too soon"?
HEROD
Take not my words amiss, I entreat thee!
HERODIAS
I dare not say that longing drove me here.
HEROD
[_With an embarrassed smile._] Say it ... by all means!
HERODIAS
Then thou hast not forgotten the days--of eloquent looks and silent
vows--when every breath was a longing desire and every word a feast?
HEROD
How should I forget? Love, how should I----?
HERODIAS
And thou rememberest no more the nights when wandering footsteps stole
their way to the fragrant gardens, where, in the feverish blossoming
around them, two sleepless ones mingled their sighs?
HEROD
How could I not remember; Love, how could I not?
HERODIAS
I have clothed myself in Indian draperies; I have put pomegranate
blossoms in my bosom, and gold dust in my hair ... but thou seest
nothing!... My converse is bridal, but thou hearest it not.
[_Salome has appeared on the balcony with Maecha. Herod notices her._]
SALOME
Wait; let me see whether he has already come. [_She looks over, and
after her eyes have met Herod's she vanishes._]
HERODIAS
[_Observing his absence of mind, with an exclamation._] No! thou
hearest nothing.
HEROD
[_Quickly recovering himself?_] Well; what if it is so? The language of
our soul, which thou art kind enough to call bridal, was fitting to the
delight of those fragrant gardens. To-day, methinks, we have another
task before us!
HERODIAS
Thinkest thou that I have been idle? Am I a woman who cometh to beg of
you a nightly dole of caresses? Look at me.... Not thy beloved.... She
exists no longer.... See in me thy ruling mistress!
HEROD
I am looking, and I see a woman who raves.
HERODIAS
As real as the ambition of thy mistress, as real as the secret
resentment which gnaws beneath thy own; despite thy ever-ready smiles.
HEROD
[_Horrified._] Who told thee ... whence ...?
HERODIAS
So real and positive is my hold over thee. Just now, when thou didst
say I raved, thou wast reflecting how thou couldst best get rid of
me.... Thou fool; then get rid of thy wakeful nights and all that which
thou thinkest great in thyself, the inheritance of that greater than
thou, whom thou wilt never equal....
HEROD
Woman ... what ... [_his words choke in his throat._]
HERODIAS
[_Laughing._] Speak out what thou hast to say. If thou no longer
needest me for love, thou mayest still require me as a listener and
adviser.
HEROD
[_After he has walked up and down several times in great excitement._]
Never resemble.... What is the man who smiles amiably in wrath? A
coward?... What is the man, who has two faces? Insincere?... Who fawns
on those in power. Servile? No; because the great Herod also did these
things. But sometimes, when the blood throbbed to bursting in his
veins, he snatched his sword from the sheath and slashed at friend and
enemy alike who stood in his way ... till the blood of his victim
washed him calm and cool again ... till the mighty at Rome experienced
a thrill at such a display of strength.... I, too, feel the blood
hammering in my veins.... I, too, would ... but I have no sword ... and
so I must continue to smile amiably ... continue showing two faces, and
licking the sandals of the priests.... I, the son of Herod; I, his ape!
HERODIAS
And suppose that the priests of the Temple adopted the attitude of
shield and barrier betwixt thee and the fury of the people, wouldst
thou doubt thyself less?
HEROD
I doubt myself not. And what thou sayest can never happen.
HERODIAS
[_Goes to the middle door and opens it._]
[_A Porteress enters._]
HERODIAS
What tidings hast thou?
THE PORTERESS
The two messengers to the Temple, mistress, have come back with word
from the High Priest.
HERODIAS
Show them into the outer hall.... They shall wait there.
[_Exit the Porteress._]
HEROD
[_With a laugh of rage and fear._] Are their trumpets already sounding
on the road? Hath the great curse already reached the door?
HERODIAS
Thou art wrong, my friend. Only a little blessing scratches at the
door.... If it pleaseth thee, let it come in.
HEROD
Thou dreamest.
HERODIAS
Listen to me! Why did I come before thee in haste to inhabit this empty
house?... Because every hour since I came I have been negotiating with
the priests----
HEROD
Thou?
HERODIAS
What if instead of hiding the sinning woman from the people, thou, with
head held aloft, repairest with her to the Temple? Would it not be an
ironical event if the High Priest, with the same air of patriarchal
servility with which he greeted the virtuous Mariamne, also smiled a
welcome to thy brother's runaway wife?
HEROD
With what sum hast thou purchased this?
HERODIAS
When it is given, it will be a present, not a purchase.
HEROD
Only one who knows not these butchers of the High Altar could believe
you.
HERODIAS
Well, these are the terms [_in a low voice_]. If we were to promise
never again to aspire in Rome to the sceptre of Judea [_scoffingly_],
then they might consider----
HEROD
And what answer didst thou make to such drastic, such----
HERODIAS
I promised.... What else should I do?... for thee, as well as myself.
HEROD
[_Pointing to himself._] Even before this booty was thine, thou hast
betrayed it?
HERODIAS
I fancied that I heard thee crying out just now for a sword.
[_Smiling._] When thou art king, thou wilt, of course, kill all whom
thou hast promised not to be king! That is the same thing as if thou
hadst never promised it.
HEROD
[_Staring at her._] Woman!
HERODIAS
Believest thou still that I hurried here only for the sake of a kiss?
HEROD
I shudder at thee. But even if the priests be won over, there remains
the people, the hydra-headed; thou knowest not the people. They once,
it is said, hurled sacrificial victims at the head of their king, they
slew Barachia's son between the Temple and the altar. And besides, dost
thou not know that John the Baptist is in the town?
HERODIAS
The Baptist! Leave the Baptist to me.
HEROD
I warn thee, approach him only with a weapon in thy hand!
HERODIAS
[_Laughs._]
SCENE VI
_The same. Jabad and several servants._
JABAD
Pardon, oh master, the lamb is ready.
HEROD
First, we will hear what the priests have to say if your mistress,
_our_ mistress, so pleaseth.
HERODIAS
[_Assents, smiling._] [_Exeunt all._
SCENE VII
_John, Miriam_ [_come through the lower door to right_].
MIRIAM
Await her here, Rabbi.... What are thy commands to thy handmaiden?
JOHN
[_Shakes his head._]
MIRIAM
[_Kisses the hem of his garment._] [_Exit._
SCENE VIII
_John_ [_left alone for a brief space_], _then Salome, and two of her
damsels._
SALOME
[_Steps softly to the balustrade and gazes down on John, seeks in her
breast for a flower, and not finding one turns back to Maecha._] Give
me those thou wearest in thy girdle. [_She takes the roses which Maecha
hands to her and throws them down._] He doth not see them. Bring more
flowers, and thy harp. Stay, Maecha, or I shall be afraid. [_Exeunt the
maids, except Maecha._] Thou fair savage, out of the wilderness of
Judah! The fire of hate that flashes from thy eye shall not devour me!
I will kindle another fire in it, lovely and languid like my dreams,
when at night the perfume of the narcissi is wafted to my pillow. [_The
maids come back._] Give them here.... Roses ... two arms' full. [_Hides
her face in the flowers._] Now if I had narcissi, too! Nay, but tarry
and sing the song which I taught you yesterday, the song which the
dancers sang at Antioch. But sing softly, so that he be not shy of us.
Where is Miriam?
ABI
She refuseth to come.
SALOME
[_Between her teeth._] She refuseth! He saw the rose. He is picking it
up ... as if he had never----There are more ... and more ... and more.
[_She scatters the roses down on him._]
SONG OF THE MAIDENS
[_The following is accompanied by the harp, which, after playing a
finale alone, dies away._]
I have entertained thee with myrrh and honey.
I bound sweet sandals on my feet.
From my waist I have loosened the girdle,
I have sung with the harp, thee to greet.
Now come, let us quench
The fire that consumes me ... Come!
Or thou from fear shalt blench.
For my soul will hate thee ... Come!
JOHN
[_Has looked up astonished. The hail of flowers strikes him in the
face. He shrinks back._] Who playeth with me?
SALOME
[_Who has slowly descended the steps._] Master, I----
JOHN
Who art thou?
SALOME
[_Coyly trifling._] I am a rose of Sharon and a flower of the valley.
JOHN
Then play with thy mates ... Leave me in peace ... or go and call her
who summoned me.
SALOME
My mother?
JOHN
Thou art Salome the----
SALOME
Yes; I am she.
JOHN
Let me look into thy eyes, maiden.
SALOME
Look, master ... No, but not like that.... If you compellest me to put
my hands before my face, I shall spread my fingers apart and laugh
between them; yes, I shall laugh.
JOHN
Maiden, knowst thou not how abhorred this house is? Keepest thou thy
soul innocent among the guilty?
SALOME
Look at me again, master.... Am I not young among the Daughters of
Israel? And I have heard say that youth knoweth nothing of the guilty
and of guilt. See, they keep me confined to the upper chambers. I drew
back the bolts and crept out here, because I knew thou wert here,
master.
JOHN
How can I say to the storm wind: "Pass by," and to the floods, "Swallow
her not"?
SALOME
Speak on, master, even if I understand nothing thou sayest. And knowest
thou that we are now sinning according to the Jewish "law"? Both of
us--yea, it is true. My companions are gone; and is it not forbidden
for a Jewish man to be alone with a virgin?
JOHN
I am not alone with thee. Behind us standeth the shadow of those who
have dragged thee with them through the foul refuse of their pleasures.
SALOME
I have my own pleasures, master. How shall the pleasures of others
concern me? I read once a saying that stolen fruits are sweet, and my
nurse used to tell me that undiscovered treasure was only found by
those who did not seek for it.... Is it not true thou hast not sought
me?
JOHN
Thy converse is confused.
SALOME
No matter. Chide me not. Think, are not our _dreams_ confused too? When
I flew hither with my mother, we came at night to a field of poppies.
And the dew shone on their petals.... They looked grey, and were all
closed up because it was night.... But now they are wide open, and I
think my cheeks must glow red in their reflection.
JOHN
Thou art lovely among the daughters of Jerusalem. They will weep for
thee.
SALOME
Why will they weep? Am I to be sacrificed? Not I, master. Protect me! I
have heard of a king, master, who made a compact with the sun. Hast
thou heard of him? [_John bows his head._]
SALOME
Well, I will make a compact with thee. Shall I be the sun, and thou my
king? Or wilt thou be the sun, and I thy queen?
JOHN
Maiden, I cannot be either sun or king.
SALOME
Why not? It is only a game.
JOHN
A King cometh after me, but I wander in the wilderness and seek a path
among thorns.
SALOME
And hast not found it?
JOHN
Not for myself.
SALOME
But for others?
JOHN
[_In torture, half to himself._] Who knoweth?
SALOME
Master, what harm shall wrath do one, who is a jubilation and a feast
day? And if thou camest to me in flames of fire, I would not mourn my
youth for the length of two moons.... I would stretch out my arms and
cry, "Destroy me, flame; take me up!"
JOHN
[_After a pause._] Go!
SALOME
I am going. [_She rushes into the arms of Herodias, who enters._]
Mother!
SCENE IX
_The same. Herodias and her women._
SALOME
Forgive me, mother, and let me stay with thee.
HERODIAS
Thou who lookest at me so imperiously, art thou the man who stirreth up
the people against me?
JOHN
I am he whom thou hast summoned.
HERODIAS
[_Seating herself._] Come hither to me!
JOHN
Send thy women away, and this child, so that she be not corrupted ere
she is ripe.
HERODIAS
But this child, companion of my fate, shall hear what thou hast to say
to me.
JOHN
She should be guarded from what I have to say to thee.
HERODIAS
Take care, prophet! At that door stand armed men, two deep. Consider
thy danger, so that thou courtest not death!
JOHN
I am a servant of life, and danger never standeth in my way.
HERODIAS
I respect thy faith, prophet, and so would speak to thee in a friendly
spirit.... People have told me of a man who keeps far away from human
dwellings, and only descends now and then to the banks of fresh waters
to bless, so it is said. That pleased me well.... The great willingly
bow to greatness ... and so I bow to thee.
SALOME
[_After cowering at her feet, springs up, and throws herself on her
neck._]
HERODIAS
I will not reproach thee for denouncing me in the market-place of
Jerusalem, for thou dost not know me.... Yet I was _not_ well pleased
that thou didst chew the cud of wormwood, which hath embittered these
Judean cattle against me. I should have thought thou wast too proud,
thy solitary nature too noble!
JOHN
I have not come here for thy praise or thy blame. I have but a simple
question to ask. Art thou going on the first day of the Passover to the
Temple, at the Tetrarch's side?
HERODIAS
[_Mastering her scorn with difficulty._] I perceive, thou great
prophet, that thy wrath strains on its chain.... Before thou lettest it
loose, permit me also to ask a question; for see, I am endeavouring to
approach thee, and would gladly win thee. Wert thou not a riddle to me,
I should not ask it. Yet truly no man is so curiously fashioned as not
to cherish secret wishes in his heart. Every one hath said to himself:
"This were my delight, and that my desire."
JOHN
I understand thee not.
HERODIAS
Look round thee. Doth not the gleaming snow of marble attract thy eyes,
nor the yellow glitter of gold?
JOHN
[_Is silent._]
HERODIAS
Or ... hast thou never dreamed of the power and splendour and riches of
this world?
JOHN
[_Still silent._]
Or [_pointing to Salome, who again cowers at her feet._] has thy heart
not trembled at the sight of this sweet, unveiled youth?
JOHN
[_After further silence._] Thou wouldst sell thyself to me! Dost thou
know thy own price? A grain of barley would be too dear ... for thy
name is courtezan, and adulteress is written on thy brow.
HERODIAS
[_Infuriated._] Thou--thou----
SALOME
[_Falling into her arms._] Mother!
HERODIAS
[_Controlling herself haughtily and contemptuously._] I should have thee
seized on the instant, only thou makest sport for me. And if not quite
intoxicated with thy own superiority, listen to me once more. He who
thinketh himself designed to be a judge over men should take part in
the life of men, should be human among human beings.
JOHN
[_Impressed._] What ... didst thou say?
HERODIAS
But thou seemest to me so isolated from thy fellow-men that the throb
of a human heart itself is nothing to thee.... Thou hast avoided,
cowardlike, all contact with sin and guilt in thy waste places, and now
creepest forth to condemn others as guilty. The scorching winds of thy
desert may perhaps have taught thee hate ... but what knowest thou of
love? of those who live and die for the sake of their love?
JOHN
Thou too speakest of love ... thou too?
HERODIAS
See! I am laughing at thee, great prophet. [_She laughs._]
SALOME
Mother, look at him ... be silent!
JOHN
Thy poisoned arrows are well aimed, and hit their mark! But ...
[_pointing to the window_] see there, the Lord's people ... they gnash
their teeth against thee, for thou hast taken their bitter bread out of
their mouths and dissipated their miserable joys.... Thou sayest that I
know them not.... Yet I know their heart's desire ... for I have
created it; I have put my life at the service of that desire, and I cry
to thee, "Woe! thou that hast contaminated it for them.... Thou
enervatest the strength of their young men, and exposest the shame of
their young women. Thou sowest scoffings where I thought to reap
faith.... And if thou bendest the High and Mighty to be the footstool
of thy lusts, I will fling the poor and humble in thy path, that they
may trample thee beneath their feet.... Woe to thee, and woe to him who
shareth thy adulterous couch!... Woe, too, to this youthful body that
cringes under the scourge of thy blood! Woe! Woe!"
HERODIAS
[_Springing up and going to the door on right._] The guards shall seize
him.... Guards!... [_She wrenches the door open._]
SCENE X
_The same. Two guards._
HERODIAS
Lead this man ... . [_She hesitates as she meets John's eyes._]
JOHN
[_Smiling._] Now, look to it, what thou dost with me!
HERODIAS
Lead this man ... out ... into the street.... [_She staggers to the
divan._]
SALOME
Thou camest in flames of fire!...
JOHN
[_Walks to the door._]
[_The Curtain falls._]
THIRD ACT
THIRD ACT
_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 passover 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._]