)
CHABRIS (_indifferently, as_ Charmis _moves towards_ Rahel). Let her
lie. She will come to of herself--or not, as God wills.
OZIAS (_to the soldiers, with cold fierceness_). Get back to your
places. (_Exeunt soldiers_.)
CHARMIS (_looking at_ Ozias _and indicating_ Rahel). She is the
fourteenth I have seen faint from thirst in the streets this day.
OZIAS (_soothingly_). Alas! And you or I may be the next. We are all in
like case. But what is to be done?
(_Confused feeble exclamations from the group of citizens:_ 'We want to
know. We are come for that. There is but one thing to be done.')
OZIAS (_still soothingly_). Who among you will be the spokesman?
CHARMIS. We are all spokesmen.
OZIAS. Even the children?
CHARMIS. Even the children. In our extremity we are all spokesmen.
OZIAS. But not all at once. Will you begin, honourable Charmis? You know
that I am the servant of the citizens.
CHARMIS (_nervously oratorical_). Lord Ozias, may the God of Israel
judge between us and you, for you have done us a great injury. (_Looks
round for approval. The group approves._)
OZIAS. An injury? I? Have I not said that I am the servant of the
citizens?
CHARMIS (_more confidently_).
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