AND. That, I take it, is why we fail to appreciate those judgements. It is because we can never get a complete knowledge of the cause of any event.
ST. JOHN. Yes, too often the sequel alone can show us its real significance.
AND. But come now, blessed John, and do what you were sent to do. Restore Callimachus to life and so assist to solve this perplexing mystery.
ST. JOHN (dubiously). I fancy....the first thing to do....is to scare away that snake....by calling on Christ's name. Afterwards I can go on to restore Callimachus.
AND. Quite right. Then he will be in no danger of getting a second bite.
ST. JOHN. Cruel monster, depart from this young man! He is marked for service to Christ.
(The snake retreats.)
AND. Well, the brute may be lacking in reason, but at any rate it is not deaf! It has obeyed your command.
ST. JOHN. It was Christ's authority, not mine, that made it give way.
AND. That must be why it disappeared so quickly - almost before you spoke.
