I would liefer not understand him.
[_Exeunt Josaphat, Matthias, and Amarja._]
SCENE VII
_John, Miriam._
MIRIAM
[_Shrinks against the wall near the door and looks shyly across at John, who broods with his back turned to her._]
JOHN
[_Suddenly noticing her._] Thou, Miriam, art still here?
MIRIAM
Forgive me, master. I am a little afraid; for if I go homewards the guards at the gate will seize me.
JOHN
But thou camest to me in the wilderness at night?
MIRIAM
Then no one knew with whom I associated, master.
JOHN
Who art thou? Tell me about thyself. Who is thy father?
MIRIAM
I have no father--and no mother. The country is full of orphans like me. There are far too many. I have never asked anyone why.
JOHN
And why didst thou go to the Palace as serving maid?
MIRIAM
They say that I once sat and played with pebbles on the threshold. And when evening came, they took me in. Since then I have belonged to the Palace, and know no better.
JOHN
Thou servest me with zeal, Miriam. Why dost thou serve me?
MIRIAM
I know not why.
JOHN
And thou servest me to no purpose--knowest thou that?
MIRIAM
[_Bows her head._]
JOHN
Will they not punish thee?
MIRIAM
[_With a shudder._] They will ... I....
JOHN
Speak!
MIRIAM
Master, what does it matter?
JOHN
Miriam, is it also He Who shall come that thou servest?
MIRIAM
I cannot tell, master. When I see thee, I feel a longing for Him....
But if thou speakest to me of Him, I see only thee.
JOHN
Ye children of men ... there is a rushing as of many waters in your souls.... Clear and muddy ... I shall gather all together in one great river, and I feel as if I should drown therein.
MIRIAM
Master, now I must go. Whether or no I served thee to no purpose, be gracious. Praise me, master.
JOHN
I see thee sitting on the threshold again ... playing with thy life, and thou excitest my pity. ... Go, maid! Go, child! and [_He listens._]
MIRIAM