John the Baptist: A Play

_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._]