"Moorcock, Michael - Behold The Man2" - читать интересную книгу автора (Moorcock Michael)

were. Sent by Adonai to help us accomplish His will. You
shall baptize me on the morrow, to show all the people that
He is with us."
Glogauer was tired. He had eaten very little and had spent
most of the day in the sun, tending the goats. He yawned,
finding it hard to reply. However, he was relieved. John had
plainly been in Jerusalem trying to discover if the Romans
had sent him as a spy. John now seemed reassured and
trusted him.
He was worried, however, by the Baptist's faith ill his
powers.
"John," he began. "J'm no seer. . . ."
The Baptist's face clouded for a moment, then he laughed
awkwardly. "Say nothing. Eat with me tonight. I have wild-
honey and locusts."
Glogauer had not yet eaten this food, which was the staple
of travelers who did not carry provisions but lived off the
food they could find on the journey. Some regarded it as a
delicacy.
He tried it later, as he sat in John's house. There were
only two rooms in the house. One was for eating in, the
other for sleeping in. The honey and locusts was too sweet
for his taste, but .it was a welcome change from barley or
goat-meat.
He sat cross-legged, opposite John the Baptist, who ate
with relish. Night had fallen. From outside came low mur-
murs and the moans and cries of those at prayer.
Glogauer dipped another locust into the bowl of honey
that rested between them. "Do you plan to lead the people
of Judaea in revolt against the Romans?" he asked.
The Baptist seemed disturbed by the direct question. It
was the first of its nature that Glogauer had put to him.
"If it be Adonai's will," he said, not looking up as he
leant towards the bowl of honey.
"The Romans know this?"
"I do not know, Emmanuel, but Herod the incestuous has
doubtless told them I speak against the unrighteous."
"Yet the Romans do not arrest you."
"Pilate dare notnot since the petition was sent to the
Emperor Tiberius."
"Petition?"
"Aye, the one that Herod and the Pharisees signed when
Pilate the procurator did place votive shields in the palace
at Jerusalem and seek to violate the Temple. Tiberius re-
buked Pilate and since then, though he still hates the Jews,
the procurator is more careful in his treatment of us."
"Tell me, John, do you know how long Tiberius has ruled
in Rome?" He had not had the chance to ask that question
again until now.
"Fourteen years."