John the Baptist: A Play

_John, Josaphat, Amarja._

John. Josaphat, how long have I known thee?

Josaphat. It is two years since I came to thy baptism.

John. And since, thou hast been often?

Josaphat. Have I not always been with thee, Rabbi?

John. I never knew that thou wast a cobbler ... and that thy children cried for bread! It seems to me that I do not know thee even yet, Josaphat.

Josaphat. Thou knowest what is best in me, for thou hast given it to me!

John. So, then, I know myself alone. And of thee, too, Amarja, I know no more.... Only this I know. [_Gazing into vacancy._] I am sent---- [_Breaks off._]

Josaphat. Rabbi!

John. Some one hath said to me that I knew ye not; one of those who have the word "love" on their tongues.... And I am inclined to believe her.... But even if I have known you, I have not desired to love you, but rather to judge you in the name of---- In whose name? Know ye the rest?

Josaphat. In the name of Him Who shall come. So thou hast taught us, master.

John. Sooner would I talk to these black walls, that they might perhaps fall; sooner to thy hungry children, that my words might fill them. But the belief that looketh up to me, transfigured because it believeth.... That hurts me.

Amarja. [_Low to Josaphat._] It is now the second hour. Wilt thou not mention Herod to him?

John. [_As Josaphat comes nearer to him._] I sent the youngest of you to search for the Galilean. Where is he?

Josaphat. He has not yet come back, master.

John. May be he has lost the way.

Josaphat. I told him where to come to, master.

John. I want the Galilean.... Ye shall procure me the Galilean.... See ye not that my strength rests in my King ... Even if I serve Him like an unworthy vessel ... I serve Him according to my measure.... I have borne witness to Him.... Is that not true?

Josaphat. Thou hast borne witness, indeed, Rabbi.

John. But the testimony hath grown up in my soul. When He comes, will He bear it out?

Josaphat. He will, master; for God sendeth Him.

John. Else my soul hath not known Him, even as it hath not known you. Have ye no news of Manassa? Go and keep watch outside, that he doth not miss the house.

Josaphat. That will be he! [_Goes to open the door._]