Act 3 — SCENE I

Place: The road from Jerusalem to Jericho.

Characters: A Traveler, Thieves, a Priest, a Levite, a Samaritan.

[A man comes along the road carrying his bundle over his back. Many thieves rush out from ambush and attack him. Some knock him down and rob him, while others are looking anxiously up and down the road. After beating and cutting the man they go off, thinking that he is dead.

As the traveler lies groaning and begging for water, a priest comes along the road, but when he sees the man he passes by on the other side of the road. Also a Levite comes along, and after looking at the man passes by on the other side of the road.

Then a Samaritan comes along, and as soon as he hears the groans he hastens over to the man. He kneels down and looks at him and speaks.]

Good Samaritan: What is this—a man! Hast thou been hurt, my friend?

Man: Oh, help me! Thieves fell upon me and took all I had, and have left me here to die.

Fig. 9.—The Good Samaritan

Good Samaritan: I will help thee, my good friend; thy wounds shall be bound. Drink this wine. It may help thee. Art thou able to get on this beast of mine? I will take thee to the inn where thou wilt be cared for. [He helps the man to rise and supports him as he hobbles off. They both go out.]