Of course, of course.  People feel better, feel more confident and secure, if they believe.

SAVVA

They say the devil is choking the monks here every night.

FAT MONK (laughing)

Nonsense. (To the Gray Monk passing by) Father Vissarion, come here a moment.  Sit down.  Mr. Tropinin’s son here says the devil chokes us every night.  Have you heard about it? (The two monks laugh good-naturedly as they look at each other)

GRAY MONK

Some of the monks can’t sleep well because they have overeaten, so they think they are being choked.  Why, young man, the devil can’t enter within our sacred precincts.

SAVVA

But suppose he does suddenly put in an appearance?  What will, you do then?

FAT MONK

We’ll get after him with the holy-water sprinkler, that’s what we’ll do.  “Don’t butt in where you have no business to, you black-faced booby!” (The monk laughs)

GRAY MONK

Here comes King Herod.

FAT MONK

Wait a while, Father Vissarion. (To Savva) You talk about faith and such things.  There’s a man for you—­look at him—­see how he walks.  And yet he has chains on him weighing four hundred pounds.  He doesn’t walk, he dances.  He visits us every summer, and I must say he is a very valuable guest.  His example strengthens others in their faith.  Herod!  Ho, Herod!

KING HEROD

What do you want?

FAT MONK

Come here a minute.  This gentleman doubts the existence of God.  Talk to him.

KING HEROD

What’s the matter with yourself?  Are you so full of booze that you can’t wag your own tongue?

FAT MONK

You heretic!  What a heretic! (Both monks laugh)

KING HEROD (approaching)

What gentleman?

FAT MONK

This one.

KING HEROD (scrutinizing him)

He doubts?  Let him doubt.  It’s none of my business.

SAVVA

Oh!

KING HEROD

Why, what did you think?

FAT MONK

Sit down, please.

KING HEROD

Never mind.  I’d rather stand.