V■■^^ .^ .h^A€M 5'6>S l^l'lcr Cornell University Library PR 4803.H8B5 1881 Bible tragedies. 3 1924 013 484 872 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 92401 3484872 BIBLE TRAGEDIES. BIBLE TRAGEDIES, JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR 7^ HE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. RAH MAN. The Apocryphal Book of Job's Wife. JUDAS ISCARIOT. A MYSTERY. By RICHARD HENGIST HORNE. {^All Rights Reserved.^ LONDON : NEWMAN AND CO., 43, HART STREET, BLOOMSBURY, W.C. K^x'if.Asis'i »IU-IN(i AND SONS, PRINTERS, GUILDFORD. JOHN THE BAPTIST. JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. in litoo ^ds. NOTE. " The early Christian Apologists anathematised the Greek mysteries, but no sooner did Christianity become the faith of the civilised world than — as MR. MaCCOLL has pointed out^ — attempts were made to vivify the faith of the early converts, and enlist new proselytes by means of diamatic representations. Hence sprung up the Mystery and Miracle Plays, and the ' Moralities,' which for ages nurtured the piety and instructed the minds of the rude people to whom books could not speak, and in whose ears the sermons of the Churchmen were but the windy ethics of the Schools. WvcKLlFFE and his followers launched fulminations against them. But Maetin. LUTHER, whose robust mind saw in them an effective aid to his pro- paganda, gave them his sanction, on the ground that 'such spectacles often do more good and produce more impression than sermons.' Hence, throughout Sweden and Denmark they were long popular ; and even up to the close of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth centuries, when ELIZABETH, James I., and Charles I. often witnessed them, they flourished in England. To this day their influence may be seen in the Cornish acting of ' St. George and the Dragon ' and ' Beel- zebub.' " standard, (on the " Ober-Ammergau Flay,") April i^th, 1880. "Verily 1 fay unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." Matthew xi. 11. JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, '^ht liilour ot the Soul, •+38-iH ACT I. SCENE I. T/ie Clouds of Heaven. Angels descend upon ti earth on a broad green plain of Judcea. Tim night. Chorus of Angels. A new Star of the Night is born — The Night of human grief and gloom — A Star to shine With beams divine Upon man's cradle, course, and tomb. JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Semi-Chorus the First. He shall baptize with dews of Morn, And streams from rocks and flowering meads ; And fill the land with golden corn Where grew gigantic thorns and weeds ! A Voice. When old Idolatries become man's scorn, With Vengeful Wrath of early creeds ! Semi-Chorus the Second. But soon shall rise another Star^ Half-brother of the same rare growth — Each, Leader of the Soul's first war — The Holy Ghost begat them both.* A Voice. The Peace and Love For which they strove, Mankind shall find in ages far. Chorus. Now sing of John, The earliest one. * Luke i. 13, IS, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 41. THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. Wakening the earth To a new birth, For many a hard fight, lost and won ! Though his bleeding head For a girl's dance paid ; — Sing we a high triumphal song To the Valiant Soul as pure as strong ! The bearer of the mighty rod ! The first-begotten Son of God !* SCENE II. The Wilderness, between Bethany and Jericho. A Voice (crying in the Wilderness). " Prepare ye the way of the LORD ! Make His paths straight ! Every valley shall be filled^ And every mountain and hill Shall be brought low ; * Luke i. 13, IS, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 41. I — 2 JOHN THE BAPTIST J OR, And the crooked made straight, And the rough ways smooth ; And all flesh shall see The salvation of God !" Enter John, clothed in ragged skins. John. The dry dust, bare boughs, and the fruitless thorn- The scorching sun, sharp rains and howling winds- Companion this my body ; as the wolf. The stork, the pelican, the lonely owl. And silent fox, are cherished savagely. From the same pool or gushing rock we drink, But differing in our food ; they eat whate'er Of life they can subdue — oft-times each other — While I in bitter roots find nourishment, And berries, sweet or bitter. But my soul Hath other nutriment in noblest dreams. Visions, and hopes, and inward prophecies, For I walk here companion'd by my God ! (John seatetk himself upon a ledge of rock) My father, Zacharias, said of me — " Thou child— the child of my old age, and hers. Thy mother, yea my wife Elizabeth — THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. To whom the Angel Gabriel was sent To make her know and instantly believe The Holy Ghost would fructify her womb, And also glorify her coming child ; Thou," said my father, " art that holy son. Thou shalt be filled with the Holy Ghost ! Thou shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest ; For thou shalt go before the face of God, His ways preparing ! Knowledge shalt thou give Unto His people of their sure salvation, By sins remitted through God's tender mercy, Whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited Us in our tears and yearnings — to give light To them that sit in darkness and the shadow Of Death, and guide to ways of peace our feet."* Thus spake my aged father unto me, Yea, thus spake Zacharias. I am ready. (John riseth, and taketh his staffs The day is come — After severe probation and seclusion Of my whole life — when I to Israel Must show myself — the herald of these things ! {Exit. ** Luke i. 76, etc. JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, SCENE III. Portico of the Palace of Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee. Herod and his queen, Herodias — (richly and immodestly attired^ — are now seated at chess. Herodias. And in three moves I win ! Herod. If I play ill. Herodias. Play how thou mayest, Lord Tetrarch, I must win. Herod. I do not see it. Herodias. Therefore art thou lost. {The Queen moves^ THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. Herod. Not so ! (Herodias laugheth) Not yet ! Ho, slaves ! bring wine ! ( Voice of John the Baptist without^ " Bring judgment !" Enter JOHN. Herodias. This is tiie wild man from the wilderness ! Herod. I have heard much of thee. There have been men Who in thy savage haunts have thronged to hear Thy raving prophecies ; but get thee hence, And to thy woods return. Herodias. While yet you may. , Herod. Why comest thou here ? JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, John. To warn thee of the doom, That, Hke a beetling cliff, hangs o'er thy head ! Herod. What doom ? And wherefore t Herodias. Give the wolf some meat ; For this he comes ; or have him beaten hence. John. One of the Tetrad art thou. Herod. Hence a King. John. Of Galilee : thy brother Philip also — Tetrarch of Herodias {half rising). Let him speak no more ! THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. John. I will Speak more. Thy brother Philip's wife Herodias. Away ! John. Sits at thy side — thy sister and thy wife ! — Herodias, thy stone-eyed concubine, Who now would look me dead ! But I am sent Thee to admonish of thy sinful life — Thy ruthlessness to the poor — thy lack of justice — • Thy many evil deeds !' Herod. Thoii sent ! — Who sent thee .? John {pointing upwards). The Most High ! He, to whom Tiberius Caesar Is but a nodding tree-top, and his armies The motley autumn leaves which fall around ! \Exit John. yOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Herodias. Thou heard'st !— he did blaspheme Tiberius Csesar ! Bid thy guards follow him ! — pluck out his heart — Or slay him with the back ridge of their swords, So shall he have more time to call his God ! Herod. Thy passion prompts, and reasonably prompts In thee ; but I were best restrain my hand. For many people gather tow'rds this man, Calling him " holy," one possessed of gifts From preternatural sources. This may be. Herodias {darkly). So. To our game ! Herod {fainting to tlie chess-board). Let all stand still awhile ! {Aside^ A Prophet risen from the dead, some say ; While others think he never died at all, But was borne upward in a fiery chariot ! I'm very ill at ease touching that man. [Exit Herod, followed by guards, slaves, etc. THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. Herodias {rising slowly). The beast-clad savage called me " concubine !" " Stoney-eyed wife and sister !" — he shall find Such stones have secret fires, and secret sight. Go thy ways, " Prophet of the Wilderness !" I will watch over thee with sleepless eyes ! End of Act I. JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, ACT II. SCENE I. The Valley of the Jordan. Chorus of People. Behold, he comes ! — he whose voice cried For years within the Wilderness, Unquelled by hunger, cold, distress ! — Prepare God's way, both straight and wide ! Each valley He shall fill- Each mount and hill Shall be brought low ; The crooked shall be straight in growth ; Rough ridge and row Shall be made smooth ; And all flesh shall salvation see In God's Paternity. THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 13 Enter JOHN. John. I do baptize men only for repentance, Whence comes remission for your previous sins. O, viperous generation ! a Voice hath warn'd you To flee from wickedness, which dragon-Hke Pursues to rend you ? Bring forth, therefore, fruits Worthy of true repentance, nor fall back On Abraham and the mist- clad patriarch times — Whose sacred clouds and thunders none may scan — For God is able of these stones to raise Fresh children unto Abraham. Now, behold The axe is laid unto the root ; each tree That bringeth not good fruit shall be cut down And cast into the iire.* Chorus of People. What shall we do .■" John. He that two garments hath, let him give one To those who need : he that hath food, do likewise. * Luke iii. 7, 8, 9, etc. 14 JOHN THE BAPTIST J OR, Chorus of Publicans. We, also, at thy hand Would be baptized with holy dew, In this our hopeful land : Master ! what should we do ? John. Exact no more than justice doth appoint. Chorus of Soldiers. Master ! what shall we do ? John. Do violence to no man ! — cease your trade In bloody fields : seek ye the loom or plough : Be false to none : content ye with your wage. Full Chorus. Who art thou .■" — say ! For we expect thy promised day, When to all barren fields and sorrowing homes Messiah comes ! And art thou he ? THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 15 John. With water I baptize ; a mightier one — Albeit my brother, younger by six months* — Cometh, the dusty latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose ; and He, With fire of life, and with the Holy Ghost, Shall baptize all who are His chosen grain — Casting the chaff away, to burn till lost In ashes and the highway's common dust. SCENE II. The River Jordan. A Grove on one side; a Roman Temple on the other. Enter Herodias from the Temple. Herodias. I have besought the Gods of Rome * Luke i. 36. i6 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, For aid and vengeance, — and a sign That every towering Form of stone Approved of my design. No smile — and no oracular word — But from the walls there fell a sword ! The omen was divine. (Voices from the Grove — Herodias retires within the Temple^ Enter John from the Grove, followed by his Disciples. John. Do honestly ; love God, but fear no man. Herod, with all his guards, is of less weight Than one true soul. Fear God, but love Him more ; For he whose love is only through his fear. Owns a low piety, worse than a dog Who hath no higher knowledge. Come, my brothers ! Enter many People to be Baptized. (John now steps into the waters. Many come to him, in succession^ THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 17 Chorus of Disciples. Destroying Wrath of ancient days— The terrible God of Moses — Is changing to a pitying love, Surrounded by divine soft rays ; While from dark clouds we now can see, Descending slow, a sun-lit dove Whose breast hath tints of roses. That glance and sparkle tremulously ! John {baptizing). Pass on your way, my brothers ! — Fix not your hopes for ever on this world. But on a higher Kingdom, which is Heaven !* — Go on your way rejoicing in the Lord : — Who is a pitying Father to us all : — Do unto others as you would that they Should do unto you :f — in the wilderness Aid those who are lost, and in a shipwreck those Who sink where ye can swim; — but who now covao.'Ca.'i This young man whose divine humility Maketh my rough knees tremble ! " One," he saith, « The Talmud. + Idem. 2 I8 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, " From Nazareth." I know who he must be, — Though since our childhood we have never met. Behold, a white bird softly now descendeth, And hovereth over him ! This — this is he, My younger brother, grown to man's estate Since we were parted in our infant years, Whom I have seen in visions ! — this is he Whose winnowing-fan shall separate the chaff From the sound corn ; shall make the poor rejoice, The rich ones sorrow ; give his pure heart's blood For sinful men, and teach the trampled people — Earth's slavish lap-dogs for successive kings — (Herodias appears in the porch of the Temple, and retires^ The worshippers of gew-gaws in a row — •Of necklaces, crowns, bracelets that excite Mad follies — seeing not reality — Of chains and charms, all framed and forged in Hell — Shall teach, I say unto ye, that the shade That foUoweth on one godly ploughman's heel. Homeward returning from his honest work, THE VALOUR OF THE SOVL.' 19 Is nobler than the shining devilishness Of all the Caesars and their Tetrarch mimes ! Roman Guards issue from the Temple, and seize John, who is home away to prison. Several of his DISCIPLES, striving to rescue JOHN, are slain. SCENE III. Bed-chamber of Salome — daughter of Herodias by Philip, Tetrarch of Iturcea, and brother of Herod. (Herodias caressing Salome.) Herodias. Thou hast a Maenad shape, and in the dance 'Twill best be seen. Salome. But not as for the bath ! 2 — 2 20 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Herodias. No ; for these garments I will substitute This rich transparent veil, and wide-mesh'd nets Enwrought with gold threads and keen-flashing gems. Come — fold thee — thus — or thus ? Salome. I fear this dress Will discompose all modesty. Herodias. Think only Of that wherein thou dost surpass all others. Salome. The dance ? Herodias. Thou hast, besides, a dazzling beauty — Stinging, withal ! Salome. I hope thou dost but jest } THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. I would not sting. Herodias. Thou dost not understand. The music and the lamps will I arrange, So to diffuse rare fancies through the brain Where wine and incense, subtilly devised, Hath bred voluptuous delirium. Salome. But nought of this- Herodias. How say'st thou ? Salome. Shall I feel. Herodias. The better will thine innocence and art Make others feel it. Be not led astray By scruples, thoughts, hopes, fears, or vanities— Though, for the last, thy secret tinglings Were not mistimed ; but give free scope to grace ; JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Cast back thy beaming hair— thine arms on high Wave, and fling back, and bend thy serpent shape On all sides, thus— t' the music. I shall call thee " Dipsas !" Salomk. A burning serpent ! — do not so ! Herodias (laughing). Or " Seminuda !" — vestal of the Sun ! Salome. I do not like these names. Herodias. Well, 'tis no matter. Lord Herod's birthday must we celebrate, As each best can. Salome. But, mother, hast thou not Some further purpose in this dance } Thy face Is wrought with changeful lines and lights .'' the valour of the soul. 23 Herodias. I have — But no design that's clear. 'Twere vain romance, Save that the hot breath and the whispering Of a red-crested basilisk charms mine ear With something that may chance— causing great joy and fear ! End of Act II. 24 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, ACT I I I. SCENE I. Festal Hall in the Palace of King Herod. Herod, Herodias, Lords, Ladies, High Captains, and Chief Estates of Galilee seated at supper. Roman Music. Herodias. Fill the King's cup again ! Herod. 'Tis not yet empty ! {The King laughs^ Thy joy is like a new and prodigal summer That giveth not due time from flower to fruit, But forceth consummation. Herodias. Then, fill all— To the King's birthday ! THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 25 Herod. Nay, 'twas drank before ! Herodias. His future birthdays ! Herod. (Laughing) Still, in life's advance ! \All drink to the King. Trumpets. HERODIAS brims Herod's goblet. Music of the psaltery, sackbut, Jiarps, and cymbals. Herodias. Listen ! — 'tis for a wondrous dancing-girl ! Herod. I guess her name — I have heard much of her, As matchless in the dance. It is thy daughter. Herodias. 'Tis Seminuda ! — vestal of the sun ! Herod i^with delight). Let Phcebus part with her a little while ! Where is she.? — wherefox-e comes she not.' Send for her! 26 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Herodias {rising hastily). I — I will go for her ! {aside) 'Twere best she came Without me, and my promptings be not seen. [Exit Herodias. Herod. My birthday should be rich as autumn's lap With flowers and fruit. Bring more — bring heaps — And bring, besides, the wine of my first youth ! Slaves bring in additional vases with flowers ; golden chargers heaped up with fruits ; and urns of incense. Dance-music as before. The K.ING falls into a delirium, as the colours of the incense are varied with the movemetits of the dance-music. Herod. I see a dazzling platform in the sun, Whereon a virgin of the temple dances ! Ha ! 'tis a vision ! — wherefore comes she not 1 My blood's on fire ! where is reality ? THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 27 SCENE II. Bed-chamber of Salome, in a wing of the Palace, as before. Herodias, undressing SALOME. Herodias (wildly). Now ! now ! my shrinking girl ! Salome. What would you do .' Herodias. Make you a true Terpsichore ! Salome. But not Like Greek or Roman statuary ">. Herodias. No — no ! Leave all to me. I understand the King. Salome. But I am now quite naked ! 28 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Herodias. Take this veil ! This flying cloud ! Hold out your wrists ! — these bracelets ! The jewelled anklets now ! That's well. Now fold thee I' the lustrous serpent volumes of this scarf. The King is mad for thee! — begone ! and dance ! (Thrusts Salome ouf) Herodias {gasping for breath). Stoney-eyed wife and sister, how is it with thee ? And ' concubine,' he called me ! Very soon Herod will shower rich gifts — he will grant anything To the enchantress. {Dance music heard from the hall^ Ha ! the harp and flute ! Sackbut and cymbals ! — now the tambourine Beats at the heart and spins around the brain ! Now I behold my glorious naked one ! Yet not all naked — I'm too wise for that — How the witch dances ! Ha ! ha ! Seminuda ! She was well named, I know ; for madness breeds THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 29 On expectation — ^pants for the next moment ! That's well ! I love the changes of the dance ! Oh, it is wondrous beautiful, my girl ! My grace — my limbs — my glancing mysteries — My jewelled anklets — rich breasts — showers of hair ! Oh, I will kiss my beautiful one all over. And with fond bites of transport cover her ! SCENE III. The Festal Hall, as before. Salome dancing, with a tambourine in one hand, and amidst clouds of incense of changeful colours. Herod (in a wild rapture). The priestess of Sol's Temple now hath sent A goddess clad in nought but odorous clouds To madden each delight ! No more ! no more ! Yet cease not — cease not — my brain whirls ! — no more ! Her flying locks were golden ! now they change To gilded black, shot with a lightning blue ! 30 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, Now, all of silver ! — tossing flames ! and now — Her limbs are roseate, and a sparkling dew Besprays her symmetry, as from the sea Her feet came plashing thro' the bright-edged foam ! I say, no more ! Oh, I do swear to give thee Whatever thou shalt ask, thou wondrous sprite ! Yea, to my kingdom's half — hear it, ye Gods ! Ye great Lords, Captains all — all hear the King ! [Salome retires amidst clouds of incense, and the clash of cymbals^ First Lord. She could not answer — 'tis too high a gift. {Aside) What emeralds ! — pearls ! Second Lord. {Aside) The King hath lost his wits ! Herod. Now breathe soft Lydian flutes with sweet accord Of voice and dulcimer ! I'll drink no more. But let the fumes of wine give music shapes. And visions of such forms as now we saw Multiplied, passion-varied, intervolvent limbs ! THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 31 SCENE IV. Marble bath-room, in tlie Palace. Enter SALOME half-fainting. Salome. Why was the King so wrought upon .? what spell Can a girl's dance enkindle, thus to madden Into such promises } \_She walks up to a mirror, and prepares for the bath."] And swear — methought — Unto the half of 's kingdom, he would give me .... Herod did swear ! What shall I ask of him .' Enter Herodias, {with a triumphant air). Herodias. Witch ! larks-heel ! now will I kiss thy feet, thou wonder ! Salome. Have I done so very well } Herodias. Oh, matchless well ! 32 john the baptist; or, Salome. You heard King Herod's promise ? Herodias. Yes — yes — yes ! Salome. What shall I ask .? Herodias (fiercely?) The head of John the Baptist ! Salome {in dismay). The head of — Oh, my mother ! What, the head Of John! Herodias. I say his head — brought in a charger ! Salome (shuddering). But what to do — with that fast-bleeding gift ? Herodias. To roll before the dogs of Galilee ! Or toss into the Jordan — for self-baptism ! the valour of the soul. 33 Salome. Oh mother ! — Oh, I cannot ! Herodias (with passion). But you must ! We are not safe while that head holds its place. Think of the insults, barb'd — and poison'd too; Think of his daring threats against King Herod — My husband — thy step-father — of the danger To his rule here in Galilee — his life — My life — nay, all our lives ; — and think besides. Of this great moment for a perfect vengeance. Which ne'er may fall again ! My will is fix'd. Ask nothing else, but that forthright they bring thee The head of John the Baptist in a charger ! Salome {in dismay). How how shall I find words for this .' My mouth Will open without speech ! Herodias {furiotisly). Look in my face ! And gather words, like lightning on the wall Whereon a dazzling scrawl writes — ' half a kingdom !' 3 34 john the baptist; or, Salome. But this is of Death's kingdom ! Herodias. And life's safety For all of us. Jewels in heaps — but first That mortal ruby ! Salome {starting). Oh, you strip all off! I am again unclothed ! Herodias. No, no, this veil ! Fold thee within its lustrous serpent-volumes ! And now return ! — begone, I say ! — and ask ! \Exit Salome]. Herodias {gasping for breath). I, too, lose speech ! O, burning tears of joy ! Speak for me, scalding fountains of the grove Where Vengeance stalks in hopes to meet the ghost Of him she hath destroyed. [ Voices from the kaW] Ha ! she has asked ! THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 35 \Siorm ivithout. Hurricane, followed by heavy Jiail and rain.] Ejtter Herod {in great trouble). Herod. What hath thy daughter asked ? why hast thou caused her To crave this thing ? I do repent mine oath. The fumes of wine are driven o'er towers and fields By sudden gusts of thought. Curs'd be that dance ! Jephtha was wrong in keeping his rash vow : 'Twere good he had considered which was worse — To keep it, or to break it ; — and 'twas worse To keep it. Many do believe and follow This Prophet John. I have observ'd him well — As a just man^ and holy — and have heard Much of his teaching, and have thought it good — Heeding, in some sort, his reproof of us : — Albeit, I would not have that known. Thy maenad Should ask for something else. HeroDIAS {rising solemnly'). She shall do so, Herod. What would she have ? 36 john the baptist; or, Herodias. I care not — but I know Thou wilt repent the change. Herod. What should I fear > Herodias. The GodSj by whom you swore. Herod. I will consult the priests. Herodias. And fear besides Great Caesar's anger. Heard not thine own guards What this man said of all the race of Caesars 1 — Of all the Caesars, and their tetrarch apes — Those were his words. Bethink thee of thy crown — Not half thy kingdom, but the whole of it ! — Thy life — and of thy royal oath before Those who sat with thee at thy birthday feast. Who should not deem thy sceptre and thyself A trembling shadow and a mockery ! THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. yj Herod. All this is true. Herouias. Come back with me to the Hall. {Aside) The King turns pale : Check — check — and I [shall win. Herod. I am exceeding sorry for mine oath.* Herodias {dolefully). And I — and I ; — but the Gods heard you swear ! And all the lords and captains of the court ! \_Exeimt. SCENE IV. Dungeon in tlie Castle of MachcBrus {west of the Dead Sea), with iron grating for window. John seated on a stone slab. John. Nights creep on nights, and here they hold my life Pending the pleasure of the wicked queen* — • * Mark vi. 17, &c. 38 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OB, The incestuous spouse of Herod ! Yet do I hear, Through these black walls, of gracious miracles done By my exalted brother. As for me, No miracles I wrought, for I was on!}' A Voice from Heaven, that cried to evil doers Repent ! — repent ! But he who crieth now , Will long be heard, when John hath passed away. I was appointed to a certain work, And some of it is done. Much — much remains. But not for me : a greater hand must do it. Last night there came an incoherent storm Of bursting clouds : a more enduring tempest Will shake the earth and all its palaces. When he whose footway I have heralded Shall be enthroned on the hearts of men ! John's Disciples appear outside the iron grating. First Disciple. Master, they come to kill thee ! Second Disciple. Full of wine. On his last birthday feast— and for a dance — The King unto Herodias' daughter swore To give what e'er she asked. the valour of the soul. 39 Third Disciple. She ask'd thy head ! John. From day to day have I consider'd death, And should have done so thro' the solemn night But that I slept too virell, and that, moreover, I dreamt of him who cometh after me. To carry on my work, and do his own — Far more expanding. He is of sweet discourse. And winning gentleness, and hath indeed A wary wisdom that shall serve more ends Than my too rugged nature. Mark ye, how By haste and rashness I have wasted power. Which else had lasted longer for more good. I glory in my martyrdom, but lament It comes thus prematurely by my fault. I pray your pardon. Follow Jesus, then. When I am dead, I charge ye all, my sons — My friends — my brothers— and God's blessing 'tend ye! [Sound of iron bolts withdrawn, and outer doors opening^ Chorus of Disciples. The Son of God — yet son of man — Fulfils the mission of his span, 40 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, First Martyr of salvation's plan, The Valiant Soul who led the way O'er old Idolatries and Hebrew Wrath. Into the true Paternal path, Where shines the loving day. O, coming day ! O men of future years ! Give John your heart's exalting tears Through which the Light of Lights will smile in every ray ! Enter Executioner with an axe, attended by a Captain of the Guard, and four guards with buWs-hide thongs. [A black Slave stands in the doorway with a large silver charger, in which a momentary reflection of the face (j/Herodias appears^ Executioner. King Herod sends me to take off thine head ! John. Enough : thine axe doth speak for thee ; but wherefore These men with thongs "i Executioner. To bind thee. John. 'Tis not needful. the valour of the soul. 41 Executioner. Had I not brought them, vvould'st thou as a lamb Submit to death? John. Perhaps thou hast done wisely. The end being sure, thou savest me a low contest. The strength of the great wilderness is in me — These bones, thews, inward spirit — and I doubt not, If that I would resist, this earth would groan With several trunks beside me. Tis the forest That speaks within me. Heed it not. Executioner. Would'st send A message to the King ? John. He is more weak Than cruel. 'Twere of no avail. Executioner. Would'st pray ? Short time hast thou for prayers. John. I want no time : My life has been one constant prayer. I am ready. 42 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, [At a sign from the Captain of the Guard, two guards thrust aside a barrier, showing an opening into a smaller and darker dungeon^ Captain of the Guard {pointing). Behold the block that waits you ! John {calmly). I salute it As a new friend, but will not bow to it. [John enters the inner dungeon. The EXECUTIONER and two guards enter ; followed by the Slave bearing t/te silver charger,"] The Voices ^/ John and the EXECUTIONER are heard from within. Voice of the EXECUTIONER. Kneel ! bow thine head ! Voice c/John. No. That will I not do ; But thus arm-folded die. Now, draw thy sword ! Voice of Executioner. This axe were speedier. Voice of ]OYin. Think not John will feel Thy blows. His soul is too completely armed. THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 43, Fill'd, and uplifted ! Why dost thou so slowly Draw forth thy sword ? Voice of Executioner. Behold, ^tis drawn — but pray thee I Turn from me those bright pitying eyes — or else — Voice o/JotiN. I will look upward, then ! I thank thee, friend. Mine eyes the Kingdom seek whereto my spirit Now beats her pinions for a sudden flight ! Uplift thy blade ! — higher — more steadily — ■ Voice of Executioner. 'Tis high enough — but bend thy body forward ! Voice ^/ John. Strike ! — strike again ! My feet are still on earth- Now — now I spring and poise ! O, God of Israel ! \At the third blow John's head is heard to fall.'] Re-enter Executioner and guards, from the inner dungeon, and then the Slave bearing John's head in the charger. They pass through the first dungeon, and Exeunt^ 44 JOHN THE BAPTIST; OR, SCENE V. Exterior of the Castle of MacJuerus. Morning twilight breaking upon the outer Lars of the dungeon wall. The Disciples of John are standing in front of the dungeon bars. Chorus. O, Master ! whom we first did seek Amidst the forests and the streams, The desert sands, the stony peak — A Prophet fed by heavenly dreams. And clothed by faith in future beams ! — We follow'd thee, like moons that turn Around a planet, and receive The orbit course wherein they live, — Pure fire in each transparent urn, That glorifies yet doth not burn. Sub- Chorus, the ist. Erewhile men saw a naked sprite — A sepulchre's phantasmal gleam — A dancing meteor of the night — THE VALOUR OF THE SOUL. 45 Make a King's brain with fancies teem, 'Midst drunken passions of delight. Sub-Chorus, the 2ND. And see ! in yonder feasting hall — O see ! a streaming charger borne ! Upon it, a divine man's head, A tyrant's conscience to appal, And haunt with pale smile his incestuous bed !* Sub-Chorus, the 3RD. The prickly-pear's bush clumps the shore ; Rich carmine movements fill its breast ; — The mastic, cypress, sycamore, Have inward currents without rest : The shell-fish close-lock'd, graved in sand. Beneath the wave knows sea from land, While in deep darkness tremulous ; — But nothing moves in John's dark house ! Sub-Chorus, the 2nd. Ah, now unto the tomb Bear the dear headless form ! Cover it with earth — with tears — With tears that feel like blood ; * Mark vi. 14, 15, 16. RAHMAN. RAHMAN," The Apocryphal Book of Job's Wife. CHAPTER I. I The holmess of yob, and his perfect life before God. 1 Tlie perfect life of Rahman, the i^'ife of fob, and her ^reat and faithful love towards her husband. 3 The love of job and his wife for their children. 4 The substance and riches of fob. 5 The happiness of the sons and daughters of Job and of Rahman. 6 The religious care of Job for his children. 7 Satan appeareth before God, and, doubting the perfect holi- ness of Job, challengeth the Lord to a trial. 8 Satan obtaineth leave to tempt Job. THERE was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job ; and that man was upright and perfect, being one that feared God and eschewed evil. 2 There was a woman also in Uz, whose name was Rahman ; and she was the wife of the holy and per- fect man Job. 3 And this woman, like unto her husband Job, was '^ RahmZin, {Rachman or Rakh'man), the name of Job's wife in the Arabic tradition, signifies The Compassionate. 4—2 52 K AH MAX. upright and perfect, leading a righteous Hfe and eschewing all evil. 4 And Rahman was a loving and faithful wife unto the upright and perfect man Job ; and Job encompassed all his wishes with her alone. 5 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. 6 And the woman rejoiced in the memory of travail, because of the love she had for her husband Job, and for those children. 7 And in the Book of Job it is written that his substance was thousands of sheep, and thousands of camels, and many hundreds of working oxen, and hundreds of she-asses full of milk, and a very great household of men-servants and of women- servants ; 8 So that this man was the greatest of all the men of the East. 9 And albeit this last saying seemeth not like unto a true saying, even though that Book had been written by some great .prophet, nevertheless the man Job was peradventure the richest and happiest man in all the land of Idumaea ; 10 Which is the land of Edom, which is the land of Esau, which is the land of Idumsea and Ausitis, which are the land of Uz, the inhabitants whereof are Edomite Arabs or people of Petrea ; 1 1 Which is a district of many stones, but also of firs and palm-trees, and vines, and fig-trees, and date- trees, north of the Red Sea ; RAHMAX. 53 12 And a land of flocks and herds, and also of much passing commerce with richer countries of the East. 1 3 And Job's sons feasted in their houses, each son in his turn, and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 14 And they were all united in spirit, and were exceeding happy. 1 5 A'nd when the days of their feasting were gone, Job sent and sanctified them ; and he rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of all these children ; for Job said. It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. 16 But although it is thus recorded in the Book of Job, and although perad venture that Book was the writing of some great Gentile, yea, one filled with a holy spirit beyond all that went before him ; 17 No sign or token is given of the evil prompting of that wicked thought and fear in the mind of the holy and perfect man Job, who had carefully reared all his children in holiness and the constant love and fear of God. 18 Now of this matter no one hath understanding, unless, indeed, it proceeded from the prompting and forerunning of the evil spirit haunting God's servant Job; and this was Satan. 19 But Job's wife, Rahman, had no such evil thoughts, and no such fears ; wherefore she killed and burnt no creatures as offerings to the Lord. 54 RAHMAN. 20 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also in the midst of them. 21 And the Lord said unto Satan, Thou art of the fallen, and no longer like unto my sons. Whence comest thou .'' Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down in it, seeking to rule over men's souls, and accuse them of evil. 22 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou con- sidered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth ; an upright and a perfect man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil } 23 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said. Thou singlest out and shewest forth this one man ; but doth Job fear God for naught ) 24 Hast thou not made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side .' Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 25 But put forth thy destroying hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 26 And the Lord said unto Satan, Not so. Thou and all thy wicked ones are set at naught. Against the substance of this perfect man will I put forth no hand of destruction ; but this go thou and do. Behold, all that he hath, excepting his life, is in thy power. 2"] So Satan accepted the challenge of God to go RAHMAN. 55 and do his utmost ; and went forth from the presence of the Lord to seek means to win the gage and prize of power against the upright and perfect man Jobj who dwelt in such great wealth and happiness in the land of Uz. CHAPTER II. I JoVs oxen a}td asses carried off. andhis servants slain. 2 All his sheep and shepherds destroyed by fire. 3 His camels stolen, end their drivers slain. 4 yoVs sons and daughters crushed to death. 5 Nevertheless Job blesseth God. 6 But Job's wife inournethfor her children. NOW there was a day when Job's seven sons and his three daughters were all feasting happily in their elder brother's house ; 3 And there came a messenger unto Job on that day, and said, The oxen were ploughing, and the asses feeding in a field beside them ; and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain thy servants with the edge of the sword, and I only am escaped to tell thee. 3 And in the Book of Job it is written, that Satan was hasty beyond measure in his evil dealings with Job; 4 For while the messenger of evil was yet speaking, there came another, who said. The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up thy seven thousand S6 RAHMAN. sheep and their shepherds^ and I alone am escaped to tell thee. 5 Then, spake Job's wife to one of her household, and said, Peradventure that fire came not down from heaven, but came up from hell, seeing my husband Job is so holy and perfect a man, that God would not thus send fire from heaven to injure him ; yet Satan would injure him for his goodness. 6 But that servant had scarcely done speaking, when there came another, who said, The Chaldeans, collected in three bands, and rushed upon thy three thousand camels, and carried them away ; yea, and have slain all thy servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone am escaped to tell thee. 7 And in the Book of Job it is written, that Satan continued his evil with haste beyond measure ; 8 For while the last messenger was yet speaking, there came yet another messenger, who said. Thy seven sons and thy three daughters were happily eating, and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house ; and behold, there came a great wind from all sides, and smote the four corners of the house ; and it fell upon the young men and the young women, and they are all dead ; 9 Also upon all the servants, for I alone am escaped to tell thee. 10 Then Job arose and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and wor- shipped, 11 And said. Naked came I out of my mother's RAHMAN. 57 womb, and naked shall I return to earth : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord. 12 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. 13 Neither could Job seek to charge God wisely in any way, seeing that Job knew nothing of the controversy, and, as it were, challenge and wager touching his constancy and faith. 14 But Job's wife lifted up her voice, and lamented the loss of her children ; yea, the ten children she had borne, and nourished with her breast. 15 Also she mourned for the death of so many faithful servants ; and for all that were burned. 16 And Rahman wept often in the night, when no one knew. CHAPTER in. I Satan again appeareth before God, and renewing Ms challenge, obtaineth further leave to tempt Job. 2 Sata?t smiteth him ■with grievous sores. 3 Job's wife is overcome by the sight thereof. 4 Job reproveth her for her speech. 5 Job's three friends come to him, and Job's wife mourneth with them. AGAIN there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord ; and Satan came also in the midst of them. 2 And the Lord said unto Satan, Wherefore comest 58 RAHMAN. thou again, being no longer a spirit of Heaven ; and from whence comest thou ? 3 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, I thirst to look into mine old abodes ; and I come from walk- ing up and down in the earth, seeking to rule over many souls. 4 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou con- sidered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, an upright and a perfect man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil ? — and that he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me, by thy envious and wicked challenge, to swallow him up grievously, without cause on his part. 5 And Satan answered the Lord, and said. Lay a man bare to the skin as to all that he hath, even unto his children, and he will give everything to preserve his body's comfort ; 6 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his flesh and his bones grievously, and he will curse thee to thy face. 7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand, all but his life. 8 So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils, from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 9 And when Job's wife saw this, remembering how fair and strong a man Job had ever been, she tore the robe on her breast, and covered her face with both hands, like unto claws upon her eye- lids. RAHMAN. 59 10 And Job took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal ; and he sat down among the ashes. 1 1 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity ? — now bless God, if thou canst, and die. * 12 For I had rather behold thee lying dead, O my beloved, than thus to see thee a living curse unto thyself, with all thine uprightness and thy righteous- ness made of no account. 13 But Job said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What, shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil } In all this did not Job sin with his lips. 14 Now when certain of Job's friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came each one from his own place ; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; for they had made an appointment together, to come to mourn with him, and to comfort him. 15 And when they raised their eyes afar ofif, and knew him not, they lifted up their voices, and wept ; and they rent each one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads towards heaven. 16 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, as it is written, and none spake a word unto him, for they saw that his sufTering and his grief were very great. * In the Hebrew text, the literal reading may be either bless, or curse. 6o RAHMAN. 17 And Rahman sat down with his three friends all the time, and also held her peace. 18 But she sat a little behind Job, not being able to look upon his face. CHAPTER IV. I Job citrseth the day and services of his birth. 2 He be- ■waileth his hfe, and would prefer to die. 3 Eliphaz re- proveth Job for want of religion, as to God's judgments. 4 Job's wife reproveth Eliphas. \ FTER this opened Job his mouth, and cursed ■^ *- his day. 2 And Job answered, as though some unheard voice had spoken unto him, and said, Let the night perish wherein it was declared, There is a man child conceived ; and the day wherein I was born : 3 Why died I not from the womb .' why did I not give up the ghost before I came forth ? 4 Why are life and light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in with misery of body, and with bitterness of soul } 5 Other complainings of Job have been recorded, for his trouble was exceeding great, and his desire for death and the rest of the grave was poured out with many sighings. 6 Then spake Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, If we seek to commune with thee, be not grieved, for who can refrain from words .■' RAHMAN. 7 Behold thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. 8 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast sustained the feeble knees : 9 But now evil is come upon thyself, and thou faintest ; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is this the uprightness of thy ways ? 10 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished being innocent .■' or where were the righteous cut off.' 1 1 Even as I have seen, they that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 12 Then spake Job's wife, and said, Lo, it is written, that the innocent have often perished ; for have not many young children perished cruelly, and have not I myself known many to perish who were ■doing no wrong .-' yea, numbers of my husband's servants were devoured by the sword of robbers, and his shepherds were burned with all the sheep they tended. 13 Is not my husband Job a righteous man.? yea, ■God knoweth him for a perfect man; and behold, where he sitteth amidst sores, and ashes, and deep sorrow ! 14 For he hath ploughed in good fields, and sowed holiness, and now reapeth the fruit of iniquity ! 15 Then spake Eliphaz many great and solemn things of visions of the night, and of a voice that had spoken unto him ; 16 And many solemn things spake he which bare no reference to Job's trouble, but to the power and 62 RAHMAN. the works of God without number, marvellous in that day, and unsearchable ; 17 Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth water upon the fields ! 18 Who setteth up on high those that be low, that those whicli mourn may be exalted to safety ! 1 9 Behold, happy is the man whom God cor- recteth ; for He maketh sore, and bindeth up ; He woundeth, and His hands make whole. 20 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh, and thou shalt know that peace is thy tabernacle. 21 Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be much, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. 22 And Job's wife answered with deep grief, and said. Behold my children were all crushed by the falling of their brother's house ; and they are now beneath the earth, and the young grass springeth above them. CHAPTER V. I Job describeth his great trials, and wisheth God would des- troy him. 2 His friends do not feel enough for him. 3 His sufferings are too great. 4 Bildad reproacheth J ob . 5 Job's wife answereth Bildad. n^HEN Job spake, and said; Oh that my grief -'• were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together ! 2 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea ; therefore my words are swallowed up. RAHMAN. 6 J 3 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit ; the terrors- of God do set themselves in array against me. 4 Oh that I might have my request, and that God would grant my expectation ! 5 Even that it would please God to destroy me ;. that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! 6 When I lie down I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone ? And I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day. 7 My flesh is clothed with worms, and clods of dust ; my skin is broken and become loathsome. 8 Therefore, I will not restrain my mouth ; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. 9 How long wilt Thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle .' 10 O Thou preserver of men ! why hast Thou set me as a mark against Thee, so that I am a burden to myself? 1 1 And why dost Thou not pardon my transgres- sion, whatever that may be, which I know not, and take away mine iniquity .? 12 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,. How long wilt thou speak these things } and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind } 13 Doth God pervert judgment, or doth the Almighty pervert justice .' 14 And Rahman answered, and said ; Yea, in this thing so seemeth it. €4 RAHMAN. 15 And Bildad said angrily, Behold God will not ■cast away a perfect man, neither will he take the ungodly by the hand. 16 If thy children have sinned against Him, then hath He cast them away for their transgressions. 17 Then Rahman answered Bildad, and said, But my husband Job was an upright, an holy, and a perfect man ; how then shall we perceive and under- stand God's justice towards him ? 18 And of the sins of my seven sons and three daughters, what was their transgression in eating and drinking happily together, that a great wind should smite the four corners of the house, and crush them .'' 19 Also the servants, men and women servants, who were crushed with them .' 20 But Bildad answered with a reproving voice, Behold there were sins done in secret, peradventure, by Job thy husband ; also there were transgressions of thy sons and of thy daughters in the dark ; as in the darkness of earth beneath the feet which no one iseeth. 21 Wherefore, the great wind was sent to cast •down the house upon all that were within. 22 And Rahman answered, not without tears, and ■said to Bildad the Shuhite, Behold^ there are goodly Ttamarind trees in men's gardens which give shade >when the sun is hot, and yield goodly fruit in their -season ; 23 If lightning strike the branches, and the trunk RAHMAN. 6s becometh as dust, do men dig beneath the roots to seek for the lightning or the cause thereof? 24 Do they not rather look up to the sky ? do they not strive to search through the dark clouds ? 25 But Job made no sign of approval. CHAPTER VI. I Job dedareth his weakness and ignorance before God. 2 But he complaineth of unjust punishments. 3 Zophar reproveth Job. 4 Job answereth Zophar. 5 Job pleadeth his cause. 6 Eliphaz again reproveth Job. 7 Rahman answereth a few words. 8 Job reproacheth his friends. THEN answered Job, and said. How should a man appear just before God ? 2 If man will contend with God, he cannot answer Him one of a thousand. 3 Behold He taketh away, and who can turn Him aside 1 4 For He breaketh me with a tempest^ and multi- plieth my wounds without cause. 5 This is one thing, therefore, I say it ; He destroyeth the perfect as well as the wicked. 6 If the scourge slay suddenly. He will laugh at the trial of the innocent. 7 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked : He covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, then where and who is He .-• 8 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Should not the multitude of words be answered, and should a man of lips be justified .' 5 66 RAHMAN. 9 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest shall no man make thee ashamed ? 10 But, oh that God would speak, and open His lips against thee ! 1 1 And Job answered, and said, No doubt but ye are the wise people, and wisdom shall die with you. 12 But I have an heart as well as you ; I fall not lower than you in understanding : for who knoweth not such things as the wisdom and power of God ? 13 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. 14 But ye are forgers of lies ; ye are physicians of no value. 1 5 Be silent from me ; leave me alone that I may speak, and let come on me what will ! 16 Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand .'' 17 Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him ; but I will maintain mine own way before Him. 18 Where is he who will plead with me .' — Woe for me, if I hold my tongue I shall give up the ghost ! 19 Then spake again Eliphaz the Temanite, and said. Should a wise man utter knowledge of wind, and fill his belly with the east wind .'' 20 Should he reason with unprofitable talk ? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good ? RAHMAN. 67 21 Art thou the first man that was born ? or wast thou made before the hills ? 22 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou keep wisdom within thyself? 23 Why doth thine heart carry thee away ? are the consolations of God small with thee ? 24 And Rahman answered Eliphaz, and said, The heart of Job my husband is carried away by reason of his sufferings, which are all the conso- lations he hath : 25 For look well upon him now, where he sits covered with sores, and with ashes, and with his weight of sorrow, and with the heavy words of his friends ; 26 And call ye such things the consolations of God? 27 Then answered Eliphaz and said, What is a man that he should be clean ? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous ? 28 For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty ! 29 He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers ; 30 Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks. 31 And Rahman answered, and said, Behold all these words are as lies, that stare as madmen stare, and the substance of truth is before our sight to overwhelm them ; 5—2 68 RAHMAN. 32 For, see ye not Job my husband, where he now sits hi his leanness and his misery ! 33 And even when he was altogether prosperous, yet would thy words be as the worst of winds, which wise men abhor. CHAPTER VII. I Job reproacheth his friends for their unmercifulness. 2 Bil- dadmaketh cruel reply. 3 Job uftereth further complaints against his friends. 4 Then Zophar threateneth Job fiercely ■with God's wrath. 5 Rahman maketh reply as to God, but Job reproveth her. npHEN Job answered and said, I have heard many -*■ such things ; miserable comforters that ye are. 2 I also could speak as ye do ; if my soul were in your soul's stead, I could heap up words against you. 3 But I would rather strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should assuage your grief. 4 But thou hast covered me with wrinkles, which seem as a witness against me; and my leanness rising to view, beareth witness to my face. 5 He who hateth me teareth me; he gnasheth upon me with his teeth ; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. 6 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death. RAHMAN. 7 My friends scorn me ; but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. 8 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour ! 9 But as for you all, do ye return, and go now, for I cannot find one wise man among you : 10 Then spake Bildad, and said. His confidence, yea, the confidence of the wicked, shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the King of Terrors ! 1 1 His root shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off ; brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation ! 12 He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world ! 13 Then said Job^ Have pity on me! have pity on me, O ye my friends, for the hand of God hath heavily touched me. 14 My breath is strange to my wife from its foul- ness ; my servants know me not ; even young children despise me ; and my nearest friends have abhorred me. 1 5 But ye should rather say, Why persecute we him, seeing the evil root of the matter is in ourselves ? 16 Then arose Zophar the Naamathite in great anger, and said, Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth. That the triumphing of the wicked is short ? 17 His meat in his bowels is turned ; it is the gall of asps within him. 70 RAHMAN. 1 8 He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God shall cast them out of his belly. 19 He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter. 20 When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating ! 21 Then spake Rahman, and said, Who is this that speaketh fof God, and what manner of man can he be who saith God shall do this, and shall do that .? 22 Ye know that my husband Job is not a Jew, or one bound within your ancient laws ; 23 For he breaketh free like an eagle from your strong nets, yea, like a strong man through iron gates : 24 Who is he that talketh of God's fury and wrath, as though he spake of a raging lion, or of a devil .■' and of raining such things upon one who quietly eateth without offence .■" 25 Surely this Naamathite doth blaspheme God in saying what fury and wrath shall do ; and even if he mean Satan, how, I pray ye, can he know Satan shall do these things .■" 26 Then spake Job, and said. Be silent, O my wife, for Zophar in his anger confuseth the Evil Spirit and the Good, so that peradventure he knoweth not one from the other. 27 But as for me, I know and worship the Good only. RAHMAN. 71 28 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power ? 29 One dieth in the strength of his perfection, being wholly at ease and quiet ; 30 His breasts are full of pails of milk ; and his bones are moistened with marrow ; and another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. 3 1 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices ye wrongfully imagine against me. 32 Then spake again Eliphaz, asking with malice. Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous .'' or is it a gain to him that thou makest thy way perfect ? 33 And after this Eliphaz made many lying accu- sations, having no care for truth or reason. 34 But Job answered, and said, God knoweth the way that I take : when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. CHAPTER Vni. I Job speaketh against adultery. 2 Bildad again troubleth Job. 3 But Job reproveth Bildad, and laudeth the power of God. 4 Job persisteth in his own righteousness j but submits him- self to God's wisdom. 5 Job's former greatness compared with his present wretchedness. AND Job spake, and said. The eye of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me ; and setteth his face in secret. 72 RAHMAN. 2 But Bildad accuseth much, and lacketh all chanty towards me. 3 For I have ever held myself clean, and bowed myself down before the power of God. 4 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. 5 He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the world upon nothing. 6 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips shall not speak wickedness. 7 Oh that I were as in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle ; when the Almighty was yet with me ; when my children were about me. 8 And Rahman, hearing these words, wept much, yet opened she not her mouth. 9 And Job continued to speak of the days of his prosperity, and said, When I went out to the gate through the city ; when I prepared my seat in the street ; 10 When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil ; 1 1 The young men saw me, and hid themselves ; and the aged arose, and stood up. 12 The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. 13 When the ear heard me, then it blessed me ; and when the eye saw me it gave witness to me j because I delivered the poor that cried. RAHMAN. 73 and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. 14 The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me ; and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. 15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame ; I was a father to the poor ; and the cause which I knew not, I searched out. i6 My glory was new in me; I sat chief, and dwelt as a king. 17 But now, they that are of fewer days than I, have me in derision, -whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. [8 And nov/ am I their song, yea, I am their by-word ; they abhor me, and withhold not spittle from my face. 19 Because He hath afflicted me, they have let loose the bridle before me. 20 Terrors are turned upon me, they pursue my soul as the wind ; 21 I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to ostriches. 74 RAHMAN. CHAPTER IX. I Job declareth his constant chastity. i Also his kindness and charity to all, and the justness of his life. 3 JoVs three friends cease to speak, but Rahman rep7-oacheth them. 4 Then Elihzc the son of Barachel the Buzite, speaketh to them, and also to fob. 5 And Elihu greatly exalteth his own wisdom. AND Job spake again, and said, I made a covenant with mine eyes ; why then should I think upon a maid ? 2 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. 3 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands ; 4 Then let me sow, and let another eat ; yea, let my offspring be rooted out. 5 And Rahman gat ready to speak, but Job put forth his hand that she should not. 6 And Job furthermore spake, and said. If mine heart hath been led astray by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door; 7 Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her. 8 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing ; if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep ; 9 If I have lifted up my hand against the father- less, when I saw my help in the gate ; then let mine arm fall from my shoulder-blade ! RAHMAN. 75 10 If, when I beheld the sun as it shineth, or the moon walking in brightness, my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand ; this also were an iniquity. 1 1 If my land cry against me ; if I have eaten the fruits thereof without paying money, or have caused the owners of the land to lose their life ; 12 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and darnel instead of barley. The words of Job are ended. 13 Now his three friends ceased to answer Job because he was righteous in his own eyes. 14 But Rahman spake, and said ; This silence was good at first, and is good now. 15 When ye first came and sat down before my husband Job during the day, and during the night, and spake not, then were ye true friends : 16 But behold Satan put many words into your mouths, which ye dared to consider like God's words, reproving Job for unrighteousness. CHAPTER X. I Elihu, the son of Barachel,joineik the other friends of fob. 2 He is full of wrath, and of vanity. 3 He reproveth Job's other friends, and also Job very severely. 4 Klihu declareth that his belly is ready to burst for want of speech, like wine that hath no vent. 5 Also that he speaketh in God's stead. NOW a fourth friend had also come among them, even Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram : 76 RAHMAN. 2 And he was descended from Buz, the second son of Nahor the younger brother of Abraham : and it seemed that Ehhu beheld a wise young man when he looked down in clear water. 3 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu against Job, because Job justified his soul rather than God. 4 Also against Job's three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 5 Now Elihu had waited till all had spoken, be- cause they were elder than he ; and when he saw that there was no further answer in the mouth of those three men, then his wrath brake forth. 6 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old, wherefore I feared to show you mine opinion. 7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man ; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth some men understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise ; neither do the aged understand judgment. 10 Wherefore, I say, hearken unto me : I also will show mine opinion. 1 1 Behold, he hath not directed his word against me ; neither will I answer him with your speeches. 12 Now, the three friends were amazed; they answered no more; they left off speaking. 13 p-Qr was not he Elihu who spake; even Elihu, RAHMAN. 77 the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, whose wrath was kindled with wisdom ? 14 And Elihu said, I will answer also my part ; I also will show mine opinion ; for I am full of matter ; the spirit within constraineth me. 15 Behold my belly is as wine which hath no vent ; it is ready to burst like new bottles. 16 I will speak that I may breathe; I will open my lips and answer. 17 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 18 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me : stand up. 19 But Rahman with beseeching looks, prevented Job from rising. 20 And Elihu, the son of Barachel, continued his words of wisdom. 21 Behold, I am, even as thou hast perceived, in God's stead. 22 Behold, I also am formed out of the clay ; my terror shall not make thee afraid ! 23 Man is chastened in many ways abroad ; also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain. 24 His flesh is consumed away, so that it cannot be seen ; and his bones that were not seen stick out. 25 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me : hold thy peace, and I will speak. 26 If thou hast anything to say, answer me ; if 78 RAHMAN. not, hearken unto me ; hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom. CHAPTER XI. I Rahman speaketh in a parable. 2 Job dcsireth that she shotdd speak no more. 3 Elihu, the son of Barachel, the Btizite, conti7iiieth his charges against Job. 4 And again de- clareth that he speaketh for God. 5 Job denieth this. 6 Satan appeareth to Rahman in a dream. AND Rahman answered, and said, Suffer me a few words, and let thy servant put forth a parable, even a parable of the bird of the dawn. 2 Behold, the prince of morning, how proud a bird he is, and there is none other like unto him in the wings of his youth. 3 He standeth up on his toes to call the sun to rise, yea, the sun, for whom he first appeareth. 4 His voice pierceth the dawn like a spear, and he is a terror to the fleeting clouds of night. 5 Who is like unto him on earth, and who shall stfive against the upliftings of his feathered shoulders, and his voice that speaketh for the coming sun ? 6 For he seemeth to cry aloud. Behold me, and who shall accept my challenge to battle .' 7 All the pearls of the dawn are mine, yea, and the pure gold that followeth. 8 Am I not the bird whose voice is proudest in the light of heaven; while it astonisheth the fields below 'i RAHMAN. 79 9 The ripe corn-fields droop their heads, and the valleys blush for their folly. 10 Then spake Job, and said, Enough of thy parable, and to spare ; I would hear Elihu to the end of his wrath and his reproaches. 1 1 And for all his false accusations, I pray God to pardon him, even as I pardon him. 12 Behold, he saith that he speaketh in God's light ; 13 But to me he seemeth no more than a man speaking out of darkness, and in the anger of his own opinion. 14 Now was Elihu, the son of Barachel, some- what troubled in his mind, and knew not if he .should make answer to Job, or to the wife of Job : 15 For he accounted the parable of Rahman as the poisoned arrow of an evil spirit like unto Beelzebub, and peradventure coming from a bow bended against himself. 16 But when Elihu had turned his looks away from gazing at Rahman, his wrath was presently kindled afresh against Job. 17 And Elihu said. How is it that thou knowest not the spirit of God speaking through me, and why canst thou not see my light .' 18 Hear my words, O ye wise men, and give ear unto me. For the ear trieth words as the palate tasteth meat. 19 Art thou not blind, and art thou not deaf, because the pride of thy steps leadeth thee to the pit, So RAHMAN. and the song of thine own hohness preventeth the warnings that come up ? 20 For Job hath said, I am righteous ! — what man is like Job, who drinketh up the scorning of other men like water ? 21 But he goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. Verily he is not of the tribes of Israel, but a Gentile and a blasphemer. 22 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement ; I will not offend any more. 23 Let men of understanding tell me what they think, and let a wise man hearken unto me ! 24 But Job addeth rebellion to his sin, and multi- plieth his words aga:inst God. 25 But I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. 26 Look unto the heavens, and behold the clouds are higher than thou ! 27 God teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven. 28 And Job's wife opened her lips to speak ; but Job made sign unto her that she should say nothing. 29 And Elihu continued his speaking, and said, Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. 30 And Job bowed down his head. 3 T Elihu spake again, and said. Suffer me a little, and I will show thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. RAHMAN. 32 Take heed, Job ! regard not iniquity ; for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. 33 Now spake Rahman very humbly, and said, But suffer me, O Elihu ! son of Barachel the Buzite, to relate the words of a dream : 34 For it came to pass last night, the evil spirit yea, Satan himself, appeared to me in a dream ; 35 And Satan spake in my dream, and said. Thou hast heard what Elihu, the young man of wisdom, hath said many times of Job, and as speaking for God? 36 Yea, of Job, thy husband, hath Elihu spoken many times touching Job's wickedness, his want of integrity, the iniquity of his life. 37 Lo, I will comfort thine ear, O Rahman, with the tidings of what God himself hath said of Job thy husband ; 38 God hath said unto me, and in presence of the Sons of God, Seest thou my servant Job, a perfect and an upright man ? and there is none like unto him on earth. 39 Let all this console thee, then, as it may, seeing Job's great trials and sufferings are for his goodness and godliness. 40 Even as his sufferings console me, the Spirit of Evil. 41 For I have lost the wager that was made between God and myself; yea, I have lost the prize of power over the perfect man Job, which God hath won against me. 6 82 RAHMAN. CHAPTER XII. I JoVs trouble of mind. 2 He commandeth that Rahman shall henceforth be silent. 3 Elihit again essayeth to speak for God. 4 God sendeth a wind from heaven. NOW when Job had heard Rahman his wife say all those things, he was greatly troubled in mind : 2 And he commanded that his wife should remain silent from that time ; nor was he consoled by her words. 3 For what he had heard did not satisfy his understanding in some things ; yet was his submis- sion to God in nowise weakened. 4 Now Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, gathered up his inwards to take wise counsel with himself. 5 And Elihu saw that it was best to scorn at all times the words of Satan ; yea, and to treat as naught what he said to Rahman in a dream : 6 For, saith Elihu to himself, it is common of old to say that some one appeared unto some other in a dream, or some one spake words in a dream ; 7 Which meaneth no more than that a man, yea, or a woman, dreamed such things : 8 And dreams are nothing real ; and sometimes they are the opposite of truth. 9 And so God may have said that Job was full of iniquity and one among the wickedest in the earth ; 10 For what may we not expect from the Prince of RAHMAN. 83 Lies, yea, from Satan, if he appeared to Rahman in a dream ? 1 1 Therefore I will regard myself as one who was deaf; and as one the wax of whose ears had hardened like unto the topaz of Ethiopia, 12 By too much listening to iniquities rising from the bowels of the earth. 13 So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, again turned the strength of his countenance upon Job ; 14 And Elihu said. Cease now and henceforward to exalt thy horn ; and let thy upliftedness lie in the dust! 15 For who teacheth like unto God; or like those whom the Almighty ordaineth to show wisdom ? 16 Remember that thou magnify God's work, which men behold ! 17 He maketh small the drops of water : they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof ; 18 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly ! 19 With clouds God covereth the light, and com- mandeth it not to shine by the darkness that cometh betwixt ! 20 The noise thereof showeth His threatening, and the cattle also show their fear of the hot vapour that riseth from the fields. 21 And Elihu also said. Hear attentively the noise of His voice, and the sound that goeth out of His mouth ! 6—2 84 RAHMAN. 22 God thundereth marvellously with His voice ; great things doth He, which we cannot compre- hend. 23 For He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of His strength. 24 By the breath of God frost is given ; and the breadth of the waters is straightened. 25 Also by watering He wearieth the thick cloud ; He scattereth His bright cloud : 26 He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy. 27 And Rahman again gat ready to speak, but Job, her husband, motioned that she should be silent. 28 So Elihu, the son of Barachel, continued to speak, and said, Hearken unto this,. O Job ! stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God ! 29 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge .'' 30 How thy garments are warm, when He quieteth the earth by the south wind } 31 Thus spake Elihu, the son of Barachel, and while he was yet speaking there came a wind from heaven and across the place where they sat ; 32 And when the wind from heaven was gone, the three friends, Eliphaz, and Bildad, and Zophar, were no more seen j 33 Neither was Elihu, the son of Barachel the RAHMAN. 85 Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, descended from the second son of Nahor, the younger brother of Abraham, any more seen ; 34 But on the place where he had stood in his wrath, speaking for God, the green herbage rose up, and was refreshed in the air. CHAPTER XIII. I A great wind riseth. 2 God speakelh to Job out of the ivhirlwiiid. 3 Job uiaketh a liiimble reply. THE wind from heaven that swept away Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, yea, and EHhu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, who offered himself to speak instead of God, rose even to a great and solemn wind ; 2 And it lifted up mighty trees from the roots, as they had been tufts of weeds, and it cast abroad the broken branches and the shattered trunks : 3 And the sands of the desert were uphfted and mingled with showers of leaves that blackened the air with a whirling tempest. 4 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirl- wind, and said : 5 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge, and when did I give leave unto the wrathful tongue of youth to speak for me } 6 But thou, my servant Job, gird up now thy loins 86 RAHMAN. like a man ; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth ? whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened ? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth as if it had issued out of the womb ? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness, a swaddling band for it, and said. Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed ? 10 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee ? or hast thou seen the outer doors ? 11 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow ? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 12 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble ; against the day of battle and war ? 13 Dost thou understand this ? declare, if thou hast understanding. 14 Hath the rain a father ? or who hath begotten the drops of dew ? 15 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it .■' 16 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of water may cover thee .■' 17 Canst thou send lightnings that they may go, or come, and say unto thee. Here we are .' 1 8 Who hath put wisdom in the inner parts ? or who hath given understanding to the heart > RAHMAN. 87 19 Who can number the clouds in wisdom ? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, 20 When the dust groweth into hardness and the clods cleave close together ? 21 Gird up thy loins, and declare if thou hast understanding of all these things. 22 Then Job fell down upon the ground, and worshipped ; 23 And Job answered, and said. Lord, thou knowest that I am without understanding or knowledge of all these things ; 24 Also thou knowest that thy servant can do none of those great works which Thou hast named ; 25 Also thou knowest that it is not possible for the wisdom of man to understand the wisdom of God in all things ; 26 For if man understood God's wisdom in all things, then would there be no false gods, but only one religion. 27 But my misery of mind and the sufferings of my body are great, yea, as manifest as are my ignor- ance and my want of power. 88 RAHMAN. CHAPTER XIV. I God again speaketh to Job. 2 Rahman desireth to speak, but is afraid. ■^ Job inaketh sign that she should be silent, i, God again showeth the wonders of created things, beyond man's capacities. AND again God spake to Job, and said, Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth, or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve ? 2 Canst thou number the months that they fulfil ? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth ? 3 Now Rahman made as though she would fain whisper something to Job, but Job made sign to her that she should not do so. 4 And Rahman was afraid to answer, what seemed but a small thing to answer, so she held her peace. 5 And God spake again to Job, and said, Who hath sent out the wild ass free, whose house I have made the wilderness ? 6 Will the rhinoceros be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib .■' 7 Canst thou bind the rhinoceros with a band in the furrow, or will he harrow the valleys after thee ? 8 Wilt thou trust him because his strength is great, or wilt thou leave thy labour to him ? • 9 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn .' RAHMAN. 89 10 Gavest thou lustrous eyes to the feathers of the proud bird ; or wings and strong legs unto the ostrich, 11 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust ? 12 For she is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers ; her labour is in vain, without fear ; 13 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath He imparted to her understanding. 14 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. 15 Moreover God here spake many glorious words concerning the horse ; and none of these creatures were of Job's creating. 16 Moreover, God said of the hawk, Doth she fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings towards the south } 17 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high ? 18 She dwelleth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. 19 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. 20 Her young ones also suck up blood ; and where the slain are, there is she. 90 RAHMAN. CHAPTER XV. I Satan appeareth to Rahman in a dream, and giveth her coun- sel. 2 Rahman is troiMed and afraid, and telleth her dream to Job. 3 Job directeth her to eschew the counsel of Satan. NOW Satan, having treasured up all that the Lord had said unto Job, appeared to Rahman in a dream ; 2 And furthermore, she again heard Satan speak to her in her dream ; 3 And Satan said, Lo ! we are all without the wisdom of God, neither can any of us do the great things that God hath done. 4 But some of the knowledge that God hath displayed unto thy husband, the ruined man and leper, Job, is known to many men^ or peradventure will be known to men in future ages ; 5 Yet if all this knowledge and power of creating things were still more than the Lord hath displayed unto Job, His Voice answered in no wise the ques- tions and complaints of thy husband ; verily it seemed as from the deafness of a mighty whirlwind : 6 For what indeed hath Job to do with the abode and the nature of the wild ass and the rhinoceros, the hawk, the ostrich, and the lion .' 7 Neither do any of those great works of the Lord explain to Job, the ruined man, and the man RAHMAN. 95 covered with sores and wounds, the cause and reason of his sufferings ; S Seeing that Job had never been a wicked or a rebellious man, following any of the counsel of evil spirits like unto myself; 9 But had always been an upright and a perfect man in the eyes of God. 10 Then do thou, when next the Lord biddeth Job to gird up his loins and speak like a man, do thou, who art a good and faithful wife, counsel thy husband Job that he should humbly declare himself unable to understand the justice of his sufferings. 1 1 Now was Rahman sorely discomfited and afraid at what she had heard, and of the counsel given unto her by Satan. 12 And she told Job her husband all that Satan had said to her. 13 And Job answered, and said, How strong soever the reasoning may be, if it be strong at all, and however wise the counsel may be, if it be wise at all, rest thou content that, as it cometh from the Spirit of Evil, it cannot be good ; 14 And I will turn to it an ear of stone, even as I tell thee to place a stone upon the memory of the words of this dream, yea, a tomb-stone upon it, which should never be removed. 92 RAHMAN. CHAPTER XVI. I God again calleih icpon Job to answer as to God's judgment and thunder. 2 Also as t,i behemoth. 3 Also as to leviathan. 4 yob humbleth himself yet more before the Lord. 1\ /rOREOVER, the Lord spake unto Job out of the -'■'-'■ whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now, like a man ; I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto Me : 2 Wilt thou disannul My judgment? wilt thou condemn Me, that thou may'st be righteous ? 3 Hast thou an arm like God ? or canst thou thunder with a voice like Him ? 4 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low ; and tread down the wicked in their place. 5 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee. 6 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee ; he eateth grass like an ox. 7 He moveth his tail like a cedar ; the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. His bones are as strong pieces of brass. 8 He is the chief of the ways of God : 9 Moreover, canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook, or his tongue with a cord, which thou lettest down .'' RAHMAN. 93 10 Will he make many supplications unto thee ? will he speak soft words unto thee ? 1 1 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons ? or his head with fish spears ? 12 His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. 1 3 Do I speak like his Creator, or as one who hath never seen him } Answer if thou canst. 14 He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood ; darts are counted as stubble : he laugheth, at the shaking of a spear. 15 Then Job answered the Lord, and said. Behold, I am as nothing before Thee ! 16 Nothing of any greatness can I do ; and of many of the great thing's Thou tellest me I have no knowledge ; 17 Neither have I enough wisdom to understand all God's wisdom. 18 I will now lay my hand upon my mouth ; once have I spoken ; yea, twice, and more, but I will proceed no further. 19 I have heard of Thee by the hearing of mine ear, even out of the whirlwind ; but now mine eye seemeth to herself to see Thee. 20 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. 2 1 But in no wise did God vouchsafe reply to any of the complaints and reasonings of Job, or give ear ■94 RAHMAN. to Job's desire for knowledge as to the mysteries of God's justice, and the life of man. CHAPTER XVII. I God dismisseth Eliphaz, and Bildad, and Zophar as deficient in wisdom as in friendship. i Then God restoreth Job to health and prosperity, and forgiveththe doubts and back- slidings of Rahman. 3 Job's new friends. 4 God giveth him increased substance, and promiseth him other sons and daughters. AND it was so, that after the Lord had spoken those last words to Job, and heard his last reply, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends ; 2 For ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job hath. 3 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks, and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up for 3'ourselves a burnt offering ; 4 And My servant Job shall pray for you ; for him will I accept ; lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of Me the thing which is right, like My servant Job. 5 So Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shu- hite, and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did as the Lord commanded them. 6 Touching Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, who had in his wrath spoken RAHMAN. 9S instead of God, as he said, the Lord took no note of him, nor of any of his words, even as though he had never been. 7 And the Lord accepted Job, and restored him at once to health of body, and of mind, and of spirit, and gave him twice as much substance as he had before. 8 And God forgave Rahman all her doubts and backslidings, because of the love she had for her husband Job. 9 Then came there unto Job all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance, and did eat bread with him in his house : 10 And they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him : 1 1 For they did not know that Satan had been the cause of it, by God's consent, as by a challenge or trial. 12 Every man also gave Job a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 13 And Rahman forbore to remind them that they did not show themselves when Job sat a miserable and childless man, in dust and ashes, and covered with sores. 14 But they saw that a shade passed over her face when she welcomed them. 15 And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen 96 RAHMAN. thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. i6 The Lord also promised that Job should have seven other sons and three more daughters ; and that in all the land there should be no sons more goodly, and no daughters so fair, as those sons and daughters of Job. CHAPTER XVIII. I Satan again appeareth to Rahman, and tonfesseth himself vanquished. 2 He fully admitteth the Lord's victory, but showeth at what cost. 3 Satan maketh a final effort to cause Rahman to rebel against the Lord's dealings with her and with her husband. NOW Satan, being overcome in his challenge, once more appeared to Rahman in, a dream, and spake unto her : 2 And he told her of all that had gone before. 3 And Satan in an humble voice said unto Rahman, Behold, the Lord hath more knowledge than I have, and His wisdom is greater than mine. 4 In my opinion and in my judgment have I been at fault, and in my challenge and gage I have been vanquished. 5 Yet, behold, thou, who art so good a woman, and so loving a wife and mother, at what great cost the Lord hath won his victory over me ! 6 For it hath cost the lives of all thy faithful RAHMAN. 97 servants who were tending thy oxen and thy asses when the Sabeans fell upon thy servants with the edge of the sword : 7 And it hath cost the lives of all thy faithful shepherds and shepherdesses who were burned alive together with the seven thousand sheep, all of which were as the sweet savour of a burnt offering unto the nostrils of the Lord, far greater than any other burnt offering that was ever sacrificed, even by the heathen to their gods. 8 And it hath cost the lives of all thy faithful ser- vants and their families, who tended upon thy three thousand camels and were slain by the Chaldeans. 9 And it hath cost the lives of thy seven goodly sons, and thy three fair daughters, all of whom were crushed by the falling of their elder brother's house, together with all his servants save one. 10 Perad venture, in some future age, some new prophet of Arabia or of Judea, shall ca.st doubt over these things, as having been only shadowed forth to try Job ; 1 1 For it shall then be found out, that when God, or any of his great lawgivers and captains do, or order dreadful things, or when any great things of doubtful meaning, or of no sense, are declared, then the same shall be regarded as figurative only; 12 And thus the true and the untrue may be made to exchange places, as seemeth best and most cunning to the priests and doctors : 13 But I, Satan, know that all these slaughters, in 7 RAHMAN. my struggle with the Lord concerning thy husband Job, were true slaughters, knowing, as I do, whose hand was put forth. 14 Furthermore, the victory in this battle hath been at other costs. 15 For it hath been at the cost of Job thy hus- band's peace of mind and health of body ; seeing that he became as one cursed in his thoughts, and eaten up by leprous sores, upright and perfect as he was. 16 And it hath cost him, even as it hath also cost thee, O fair and loving wife, the vexation of spirit caused by the cruel and wrongful words of Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite ; ij Also the vexation of the high and wrathful voice of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, whom thy parable compared unto the high voice of the bird that awakeneth the sun that he should rise, and defieth the sun to battle, but whose voice God scorned to notice. 19 Now Rahman was greatly troubled in her dream, and sought to struggle with herself that she would hear no more of Satan's words ; 20 But her struggles and her tossings were of no avail, and she was sorely grieved in her sleep. 21 So Satan again spake to her in her dream, and Satan said, Surely I have lost my contest and my pledge, and I must pay unto the Lord the forfeit of much humility for my wrong opinion touching Job : RAHMAN. 99 22 And God hath verily won the contest, and the glory thereof, but which indeed are as nothing ; 23 For surely God knew how it would be before it was ; and as for the overthrow of my opinion, what is it worth to the Lord ? 24 And what value can God set upon his victory in this matter ? 25 But those who have been verily the losers and the sufferers in this question and contest, are Job thy husband, and thyself. 26 Now Rahman again essayed in her dream to give some answer to Satan, and she said to him, The Lord hath restored Job to health and to pros- perity, and hath given unto him twice as many sheep as he had before, and twice as much substance in all things. 27 But Satan answered her in her dream, and said Of the slaughtered servants, the burned servants, and the servants that were crushed in the cost of this victory over me, the Lord sayeth naught ; neither doth He make mention of thy sons and thy daughters that were crushed ; 28 But God promiseth to Job seven more sons, and three more daughters. 29 Now thou knowest, O fair and virtuous wife of the upright and perfect man Job, that he did ever cling unto thee only, eschewing other wives, and con- cubines, though they were lawfully at his beckoning according to your custom in the East. 7—2 RAHMAN. 30 Now therefore, bethink thee, and get thee ready for more periods of travail. 31 And although these seven sons that thou shalt bear be goodly sons, and thy three daughters the fairest in the land, they cannot wipe out thy memory of those that were sacrificed in order that God should win this victory over me. 32 And Rahman sat upright in her bed with a pale face, and she cast back her hair that was lank with sweat, and threw her arms up towards heaven, as she awoke from the struggles and throbbings of this dream of what Satan had spoken unto her. CHAPTER XIX. I Rahman telhth her dream to Job, and all that Satan hadagain said nnto her. 2 Job maketh reply as before. 3 Rahman is troubled as to future children, and other matters. 4 Job telleth her that Cod will look up07i her according to her heart. 5 How all the Lord's -promises came to pass. 6 The rest of the days of Job and his wife Rahman, and their death after seeing four more generations. VrOW when Job looked upon his wife, he saw that ■1-^ she was greatly troubled, and asked her the cause thereof 2 Then Rahman told Job that Satan had again appeared unto her in a dream ; and she told him also all that Satan had said unto her. 3 So they were both greatly troubled, and sat beside each other in silence for some while. RAHMAN. 4 Then Job answered and said, The reasoning of the wicked may be good reasoning, but water from a deep well that holdeth poison is not the less poisonous for its clearness. 5 Though it be clear to the eye, it may offend the nose, and if it offend not the eye or the nose it may yet treasure up torment for the bowels. 6 So say I unto thee, O Rahman my wife, even as I said unto thee before, whatever words proceed from the Spirit of Evil cannot be good words ! 7 They must be as evil as the fountain from which they fell, and no good man should drink thereof, neither should any good woman. 8 If thou couldst not answer Satan in thy sleep, neither can I, who am awake, answer him. 9 And I shut up the eyes and the ears of my understanding, like unto a wall of stone ; yea, like unto a rock that knoweth not if it be day or night, and that feeleth nothing of the waves that dash themselves to foam about his head. 10 So Job gave no thought to any of the words of Satan ; and Rahman also strove not to think upon anything that Satan had said. 1 1 But, after a time, Rahman once more spake to Job about her dream, as to what God had said touch- ing more sons and daughters. 12 Then Job turned aside, and bade her trust in God, for surely God would look upon her according to her heart, and deal with her according to his wisdom. RAHMAN. 13 So Rahman humbled herself before God, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. 14 And the Lord forgave Rahman for all her doubts and backslidings, because of her love for Job her husband : 1 5 Also because of her grief as a mother for the loss of her children : 16 Also because of her sorrow when she heard of the slaughter of so many faithful servants, and of the burning of so many shepherds and shepherdesses together with the flocks they were tending. 17 And God sent his angel Gabriel, who appeared unto Rahman in a dream ; 18 And the angel of the Lord told Rahman that her woman's fairness and strength should be preserved unto her during many years, for the Spirit of God would come down upon her, so that she should bear unto Job her husband ten more children. 19 And thus should Job, her husband, find no need to take unto himself other wives, or concubines. 20 So the latter end of Job was more full of bless- ings than the beginning, inasmuch as the birth of more children, and doubling the number of his cattle, and his sheep, his she-asses, and his camels, could recompense him. 2 1 And Rahman spake to some of her kindred, and said, Behold my husband Job, by his undeserved long- suffering, and his faith which could not be moved, hath won a great victory for God, and for man : 22 And albeit the Spirit of Evil, yea Satan himself, hath said that the victory to God is of little worth, RAHMAN. 103 because the Lord foresaw it all ; yet is Job's victory for man like unto a tree that shall never die, but bear goodly fruit for ever. 23 And there were born unto Job and Rahman his wife seven more sons, and three more daughters ; 24 And Job called the name of the first daughter Jemima, or Dove of Arabia; and the name of the second Keziah, or Sweet-spice ; and the name of the third, Keren-happuck, or Horn-of-Plenty. 25 And their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. 26 After this lived Job and Rahman a great many years, and saw their sons, and their son's sons, even four generations. 27 And Job and Rahman lived to the end of their time as those who are blessed and in happiness : 28 But Job being a man, and Rahman being a woman, their thoughts on some things were different, even as their feelings were different ; 29 And God saw that Rahman was an upright spirit, and a perfect woman, who eschewed evil. 30 So Job and Rahman died, being very old and full of years ; 31 And great was the number of their kindred who mourned for them ; yea, with long mourning and with many thoughts. »I^H«= JUDAS ISCARIOT. JUDAS ISCARIOT; A MYSTERY. lit ^tocr %tiQ. PREFACE. It had frequently occurred to me that the story of Judas Iscariot contained elements of a tragedy of a more terrible kind than could be developed from any other event in history ; but for the first idea of at- tempting it, I am indebted to an Ordination Sermon delivered by the late Archbishop Whateley. It was printed at the earnest request of many Priests and Deacons. " In contemplating," says the Archbishop, " the case of Judas Iscariot, you should first remark that there is no reason for concluding, as unreflecting readers often do, that he was influenced solely by the paltry bribe of thirty pieces of silver (probably equal, in silver, to about sixty shillings ; and in value to perhaps about twice that sum in the present day) to betray his Master, and to betray Him designedly to death. That Jesus possessed miraculous powers Judas must have well known; and it is likely that, if he believed Him to be the promised Messiah, who was about to establish a splendid and powerful kingdom (an expectation which it is plain was entertained by all the Apostles) he must have expected that JUDAS ISCARIOT. his Master, on being arrested and brought before the Jewish rulers, would be driven to assert his claim, by delivering himself miraculously from the power of his enemies; and would at once accept the temporal kingdom which the people were already eager (and would then have been doubly eager) to offer him. That if our Lord had done this. He would have been received with enthusiastic welcome, as the nation's deliverer from Roman bondage, there can be no doubt; since He would thus have fulfilled the fondly- cherished hopes of the multitude who had just before brought Him in triumph to Jerusalem. And it was most natural for Judas to expect that Jesus would so conduct himself, if delivered up to his enemies. As for his voluntarily submitting to stripes and indignities, and to a disgraceful death, when is was in his power to call in to his aid ' more than twelve legions of angels,' no such thought seems ever to have occurred to the mind of Judas, any more than it did to the other Apostles. " But the difference," continued the learned Archbishop, '' between Iscariot and his fellow-apostles was, that, though all had the same expectations and conjectures, he dared to act on his conjectures, departing from the plain course of his known duty, to follow the calculations of his worldly wisdom, and the schemes of his worldly ambition ; while they piously submitted to their Master's guidance, even when they ' understood not the things that He said unto them.' " Similar opinions were, according to Theophylact, entertained by some of the Fathers. Those who ■care to study the question, would do well to consult Whitby's Annotations on St. Matthezv. Having adopted the view of Judas Iscariot thus originated and supported, it only remained for me to PREFACE. guard against the evil of being led away by the freshness and force of this new view, into making a sort of hero of so treacherous a disciple. This danger has been studiously avoided. His gross personal interests, his craving for worldly pomp, and power, and exterminating vengeance upon all enemies, are palpably displayed as the antitheses to all true heroism ; his dreadful remorse and terrific end are the final attestation of his character, and one extenuating feature according to Scripture. He is to be shuddered at — never admired ; trembled for (not, I hope, with- out a deep touch of human compassion for his anguish) —but never sympathized with. It has been my con- stant object to keep him standing hideously alone — as he ought to stand. For the rest, I have helped to disabuse the world of one of its incongruous ' monsters.' The crime of Judas is quite revolting enough, without supposing him to have been actuated by a mere purposeless malignity, or by a sordid motive of the most trivial kind. That the world, for the most part, will not yet be prepared to give up one of its greatest 'monsters,' is probable; but at all events, the question is open to discussion. Something of the same kind also applies to another character introduced in this tragedy. If any judge ever did the most he could safely do to save the life of one brought before him, certainly Pontius Pilate was that judge. That he played a ' double part ' does not alter the fact. I should ill requite my obligations to Archbishop Whateley — obligations, which at the same time com- 1 12 JUDAS ISCARIOT. prise my profound respect for so many of his public labours, and a grateful sense of personal recollections — if I allowed it to be supposed that any other views of characters and actions, or any other portions of the dialogue in the following scenes, were attributable for their tone and purpose to the same source. For all, except as relates to the motives of the principal character, I alone am responsible. A few words, and forms of expression, which the more correct translations render differently, have been retained according to the versions of the Bible in general use, for the sake of the greater poetic force conveyed in them. I have cast this Scriptural Tragedy in the form of the old English Mystery Plays, as being the class to which it more legitimately belongs, and also with a view to remove it as far as possible from the dramatic literature of our own day, in reverence to the general bearings and atmosphere of the subject. R. H. H. Truth dwels in gulphs, whose deepes hide shades so rich That Night sits muffled there in clouds of pitch, More darlte than Nature made her ; and requires (To cleare her tough mists) heaven's great fire of fires — To wrestle with these heaven-strong Mysteries. Chapman. DRAMATIS PERSONS. John, Peter, v. Disciples of Christ. James, Judas Iscariot, Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judasa. Caiaphas, High Priest of the Temple of Jerusalem. Annas, Sargon (or Second to Caiaphas) and Father-in-law of Caiaphas. NiCODEMUS, a Pharisee. Lazarus of Bethany. Joseph, a rich man of Arimathea. Pharisees, Scribes, Priests. Mary, the Mother of Christ. Mary's Sister. Mary, the Wife of Cleophas. Mary, the Sister of Lazarus. Mary Magdalene. Claudia, the Wife of Pontius Pilate. Elders, Centurions, Soldiers, Attendants. JUDAS ISCARIOT. ACT I. SCENE I. A Public Walk in Jei^usalem. A Pharisee is on his knees praying aloud at the corner of a street. A crowd gathered round. Pharisee. Not that the hand of man can be raised up. Except as pre-ordained ; not that one pulse Can beat beyond the circle of its law, One thought be called our own ; but that our souls Must struggle virtuously for virtue's sake. Setting down all we gain as merely given, Since God ordains free-will as part of fate. Holy ! thrice holy Law of Ancient Days ! Immortal hfe in ever-changing shapes To some of us is promised — such as keep The old traditions like a mirror bright, 8—2 n6 JUDAS ISCARIOT. Wherein we see the doctrines, rules, and forms, And mystic truths, the which, if read aright. Crown with pure sanctity the prostrate mind. [Falls on his face. \_Exewit people ivith murmurs of applause. Enter a Scribe ; and a Pharisee dressed in sack-cloth, with fine linen underneath. Scribe. Our teaching — all ! — opposing all our teaching ! Second Pharisee. And our high doctrine. First Pharisee {rising). Speak ye not of Jesus > Second Pharisee. Of him, beyond all men who yet have raised Schisms, and false doctrines, and by arts misled The ignorant people — the ungrateful blind ones. Fond of wild parables flattering to their hopes And laxity of life. Scribe. Reproved by us In schools, and synagogues, and lecture halls. JUDAS ISCARIOT. 117 Whene'er we teach ; also reproved and warned In all our books and writings — but in vain ; Him they still follow. First Pharisee. I will pray against him In all the public places, and denounce His blasphemies against the ancient laws, And our interpretation. Scribe. Lo ! where comes One of his followers ! Second Pharisee. A man whose face Is full of pride— lacking all reverence. {Aside) I fain would tread him down. Enter JUDAS. Scribe. He is well known. First Pharisee {to Judas). How cometh it to pass that thou walkest abroad among holy men, and virtuous people who obey the law and its expounders,— thou thyself being a follower of false prophets, and a believer in heresies and lies .-' JUDAS TSCARFOT. Scribe. Dost thou also presume to teach, being thyself un- taught in all things but devilishness and the hopes of fools ? Second Pharisee. Thou bearest the face of one who hath some cause for pride ; and yet thou art the slave of a blasphemer. Judas. Rabbi, this is not so. I follow no heretic, but one who hath a divine faith, and who teacheth it; who hath no devils, but is a caster out of devils from others ; neither is he a fool, but rather a teacher of heavenly wisdom. Wherefore he is no blasphemer, neither have I cause for shame in the fact that I follow him. Pride rather, in the hope of things which are to come. [The Scribe and Pharisees confer apart. Scribe. He saith what he must say, being a servant of this impostor. First Pharisee. The pomegranate seed telleth what tree it fell from ; for it is like unto none other seed ; so doth this man betray his master's preaching. Second Pharisee {loudly). He hath likewise an evil spirit and a proud, of his JUDAS ISCARIOT. 119 own nature; else would he show reverence in high places, and in due season. Judas. Masters, this do I constantly, though not here. Second Pharisee. Where dost thou show reverence ; before whom, and in what places } Judas. In the presence of my Lord and Master Jesus, who is Christ, and in the Temple of the True Spirit. Scribe. Which temple callest thou the Temple of the True Spirit "i — is not the great Temple of Jerusalem the temple of the True Spirit } First Pharisee. Is it not .' Scribe (aside to Pharisees). Let be — let be : now will he utter blasphemy, and so become amenable to death by the law. Judas. All temples are of the True Spirit wherein the truth is taught ; and wheresoever Christ teacheth, there will ye find the temple of the True Spirit. JUDAS ISCARIOT. Scribe. He answereth" cunningly, and by his lesson. Judas (aside). And it shall have dominion over all the earth ! First Pharisee. Tell us now, and speak no longer with a double tongue, wherefore followest thou this man Jesus } The motives of his preaching, what are they but the zeal of one who seeks to climb to a high place, perhaps to the highest place, even to that of the High Priest of Jerusalem .'' Scribe. Or, being mad, perchance he would be a High Priest and Prince over all other High Priests. Second Pharisee. Aspiring, moreover, in the summit of that madness, to the throne of Judea. First Pharisee. Thereto he leadeth an ungodly and a vicious life, consorting with publicans and sinners, profaning the Sabbath with work, and declaring to women of vicious courses that their sins are forgiven them. Scribe. In secret he doth many evil things. He is followed by divers women, and by two or three in especial. yUDAS ISC A RIOT. Judas. Openly ; and in secret doth he nothing. This ye know very well. First Pharisee. We know it not as ye say. We believe otherwise than ye say. Scribe. Behold the story this carpenter's son telleth of his miraculous birth, whereby he seeketh to hide the wickedness of her that bare him. Of his carpenter father never maketh he mention, as though he knew not the man, but exalteth himself into the Son of God in a diviner sense than any of us are sons cf God ! First Pharisee. What manner of man is he who uttereth blasphemies like these, and yet prevaileth over a multitude, so that they kneel down and bless his feet, and follow him whithersoever he listeth 1 Judas. They follow him because they believe in him ; and desert the teaching of the Scribes, and the austere hypocrisy of the Pharisees, because they know there is no truth in your hearts. Therefore do his fol- lowers multiply daily, while yours decrease. First Pharisee. This folly runs too fast. It must be stopped. JUDAS ISC A RIOT. Judas {aside). Too fast ! — oh far too patiently and slow, else would none dare utter these things. First Pharisee. The blossoms of the fig are secret and hidden from the light, and evil thoughts ripen in darkness. Second Pharisee. Thou hast speedily answered all our accusations that were in the lesson thou hast been taught, but when we tell thee him thou foUowest goeth too fast, and must come to his end, then speakest thou naught. Scribe. His miracles, also, and the cures that he hath wrought, what are they >. First Pharisee. Are they not the work of an unclean spirit .? — of devils, which defile us even in the hearing of their deeds .-" Second Pharisee. Let us to the baths— let us wash ourselves and purify ourselves from all this wickedness. [Exeunt Pharisees. Judas {aside). I would that Jesus could feel these taunts even JUDAS ISCARIOT. i2j as I feel them; then would he command Beel- zebub with a legion of devils to seek abode in these men's breasts, and with the struggle for more space- wherein to curse and to destroy, thereby torment them terribly, and urge them to and fro as with a fiery wind pent up. I would he did this at once, and so enforced their belief in his power, and in his- mission upon earth. Scribe. Thou reasonest, Judas, upon our words, and taking counsel with thyself, peradventure dost repent thee. Wilt thou have wisdom, and wilt thou do a righteous act.? Judas. What act 1 Scribe. It were a virtuous thing to give this impostor into- the hands of the law. Verily, the reward would be forthcoming. Judas. Go thy ways. I took thee for a buyer and seller of lies, and am not deceived. Scribe. Art thou not that Judas who beareth the bag of coin for Jesus and his followers ; the treasurer of the 1 24 JUDA S ISC A RIOT. son of a Nazarene carpenter, yea and of his fisher- men ? Art thou not he who putteth his private hand into the common purse whensoever the vice of his blood calleth for food ? — and, now dost thou seek to look virtuous, and take pride in an honest palm ? Verily thou art a weak knave who followest the foot- steps of one who is mad with his own folly. {Exit Scribe. Judas {walking to and fro). "Would I were Christ ! — or that the power he holds So placidly, were given to my hand For one short hour ! Why moveth not his work More rapidly and widely, since the time ■Crieth aloud for it, and Misery sits Wringing her hands at poor men's doors ? The people, Oppressed by priests, and pharisees, and scribes,