John the Baptist: A Play

_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._]