_A room in Josaphat's house. In the background a door, which leads into the street. Near it a barred window. On the left side is a door to another living room. A door also on the right. In the foreground to left a cobbler's tools. Towards centre, a table and two or three benches. To the right, a couch, a small table, and chair beside it. The room is poor, but not bare; lighted by two clay lamps._
SCENE I
JAEL [_With a child at her breast._]
[_Two other children and several women standing near door on left listening to a psalm sung by men's voices, which is heard in subdued strains coming through the door._]
THE BOY
What are they singing now, mother?
JAEL
[_Pale and troubled._] They sing the great Hallelujah, my child.
THE BOY
Is the prophet singing with them, mother?
JAEL
That I cannot hear, my child. [_Two more women come through middle door._]
FIRST WOMAN
Jael, we have heard that the Great Prophet eateth the passover in thy house. Wilt thou permit us to see him?
JAEL
Come in!
ONE OF THE OTHER WOMEN
That is he, the last there on the left.
FIRST WOMAN
He that sitteth there looking so heavy of spirit?
THE SECOND WOMAN
I should be frightened of him. [_The singing has meanwhile ceased._]
FIRST WOMAN
They say that he hath come into the town to judge Herodias. Is that so, Jael?
JAEL
I know not.
THE BOY
Mother, see, they are now drinking the fourth goblet. They will be here directly.
FIRST WOMAN
Hath he spoken a blessing over the fourth goblet?
SECOND WOMAN
No; Josaphat spake it.
FIRST WOMAN
See, they are standing up!
ANOTHER
Are they coming hither, Jael?
JAEL
That is the couch on which he will rest.
SEVERAL
Then farewell, Jael.
JAEL
Farewell! [_They hurry out._]
SCENE II
_Jael with her children. John, Josaphat, Amarja._
JOSAPHAT
Here thou wilt be alone, Rabbi. The others remain outside.
JOHN
Accept my thanks, Josaphat.
AMARJA