KONDRATY _(shouting at the top of his voice)_
SAVVA _(the danger brings him back to his senses. He looks around, takes in the path to the river with a quick glance, and gray as dust with rage, he makes for it with a single abrupt movement)_ Get out of the way, you monsters!
He is getting away! He is getting away! Hold him! Boys, he is getting away! He is getting away!
_[As Savva advances, the crowd falls back in a semicircle, tumbling against one another. Kondraty begins to make the sign of the cross at Savva and continues to do so throughout the remaining scene._
Get out of the way! Get out of the way! So you're scared now, you dogs? You've pulled in your tails? Get out of the way! Go on!
_[King Herod issues from the crowd, and plants himself in front of Savva so as to obstruct his way. There is a terrible look on his face. Savva comes up close to him and stops._
_[A brief pause. The conversation is carried on in a sort of undertone, almost calmly._
People may fool, Christ never. What's your name?
_[He strikes a heavy, swinging blow with his left fist whence Savva did not expect an attack. Savva sinks on one knee. The crowd rushes at him and tramples him down._
Beat him! Aha! So! He is turning back! Beat him!
What does this mean? Oh! Oh! Oh! _(He clutches his head with both hands, cries, and runs away)_
SAVVA _(fighting desperately, he appears for a moment looking fierce and terrible)_ Let go--Ho-o-o! _(He sinks back again)_
That's the way. One, two--Ah! Strike! Got him? Not yet! Got him? What are you waiting for? Strike! Done!
Peter, got a knife? Finish him with your knife. Cut his throat.
No, I'd rather do it with my heel. One! Two!
_[Loud cries are heard from the background: "They are carrying Him! They are carrying Him!" The mob begins to disperse and thins out quickly._
They are carrying Him! Yes, it's enough. It's done. No, let me at him--once more. There! I gave him one good one in his face. They are carrying Him! They are carrying Him!
Enough, enough. A grand feast for you, you accursed beasts!
I tell you, they are carrying Him! Lie there, you! Oh my, am I going to be late? Enough now. Are you sorry for him, eh? Is it _your_ head? One more! Come on!
_[They run away so that Savva's mangled body becomes visible._