EPISODE 3: THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT

BISHOP

JUDAS

[JUDAS, alone. The BISHOP enters and approaches him.]

BISHOP: It’s always depressing, is it not, to have your dream of greatness punctured like a balloon? No longer can you fill it with expanding hopes. You put it to your lips, and it mocks you with disgusting sounds.

JUDAS: I have nothing to say to you.

BISHOP: On the contrary, let us talk. There is much we have in common.

JUDAS: What could we have in common?

BISHOP: The desire for power. Ah, you look surprised. We don’t deny it. But do not misunderstand me. Much good comes from the church’s power.

JUDAS: Much good for you, I’m sure of that.

BISHOP: Don’t be quick to judge too harshly. We are a stabilizing power in society. We help to maintain a decent degree of order, and for this we are tolerated by …