soldiers and a mixed group of Bethulians, including_ Charmis, _an
elder_.

RAHEL (_to_ Chabris, _like a termagant_). Why did you go forth alone,
grandad, frightening me when I looked and could not find you? At your
age! Come back with me this moment.

CHABRIS. Ay! There is still woman!

OZIAS (_angrily, to_ first soldier). Did I not give an order to bar the
street?

FIRST SOLDIER. My lord, some of these are elders of high authority, and
would pass. As for the girl----

RAHEL (_to_ Chabris). This moment! (_She faints and falls_.)

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