Is that you?  Let me go.

KING HEROD

A man?

SAVVA

Yes, let me go.

KING HEROD

Did you want the Saviour?  Christ?

SAVVA

They fooled you.

KING HEROD

People may fool, Christ never.  What’s your name?

SAVVA

Savva.  Get out of my way, I tell you.

KING HEROD

Surrender Thy servant Savva.  Hold!

[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.

CROWD

Beat him!  Aha!  So!  He is turning back!  Beat him!

FRIAR

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)

CROWD

That’s the way.  One, two—­Ah!  Strike!  Got him?  Not yet!  Got him?  What are you waiting for?  Strike!  Done!

A VOICE

He’s still moving.

CROWD

Strike!

MAN IN OVERCOAT

Peter, got a knife?  Finish him with your knife.  Cut his throat.

PETER

No, I’d rather do it with my heel.  One!  Two!

KONDRATY (cursing him)

Lord Jesus Christ!  Lord Jesus Christ!

[Loud cries are heard from the background:  “They are carrying Him!  They are carrying Him!” The mob begins to disperse and thins out quickly.

CROWD

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!

KING HEROD

Enough, enough.  A grand feast for you, you accursed beasts!

CROWD

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!