John the Baptist: A Play

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.