ELIPH. Well, may not prophets fail As much as any man? I hold such men No better than this dreamer back again. Once, as a child, I thought it otherwise, And deemed that all was holy, and the skies Crowded with angels, and the earth I trod All holy as the dwelling-place of God. And now! Why, I know better.... (_Drinks._)
NAD. As for me, I’m with you. (_Drinks._)
UZZ. So am I. The Sadducee Seems wisest of the lot.
[_They pledge one another. Knocking heard_ (R.).
[_He pauses. Then he goes to door_ (R.) _impatiently, and opens it. A burst of music. Silence. He seems to listen._
No, no! No room! Nor here, nor anywhere!...
I tell you, No! There’s not a bed to spare.
NAD. Who’s that? (UZZ. _begins to stare towards door, listening_.)
ELIPH. (_after pause_). The landlord’s out.... What’s that?... Why, then You’d best find shelter as you may.
[_Closes door; comes back. As he comes to seat, knocking._
[_Rises angrily; goes to door, flings open. After pause_—
That’s no affair of mine! I tell you, Go. And find room where you may. Above, below, The place is packed. Be off! Be off, I say!
No; not for such as you. The host’s away, Up in Jerusalem. I’m master here; That’s my last word.
[_Bangs door; comes to seat. Knocking. He rises furiously._
I’ll set the dogs upon you.... I don’t care....
Yes, to the stable then, with ox and ass.
ELIPH. That old man and the lass We saw up yonder.
UZZ. (_who has been listening intently_). Was there no one more? I could have sworn I heard them at the door— A multitude of footsteps.
ELIPH. (_hands trembling, head jerking_). Bah! what stuff! The two were there. No more! And quite enough.
[_Enter_ TOB. _and_ DAV. _hurriedly_ (L.).
TOB. Who came then? I swear I heard the music once again. And knocking. Was there no one at the door?
[_He hurries across to_ R., _but stops irresolute_.
NAD. (_coolly_). Before You came just now, two folks were here, but now Gone otherwhere to seek for shelter.
[_He hastens to door_ (R.), _followed by_ DAV.
Gone otherwhere! Why, there’s no room to find In all the place.
[_Opens door; looks out. Very faint music, “A Virgin unspotted ...;” it continues down to end of scene._
It surely were unkind To turn a dog away on such a night. (_Turns from door._) Where are they gone? Here, David, bring a light.