John the Baptist: A Play

_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!