He sat by the pillar at which he had first placed himself, and hardly ever rose from it.

With great slow eyes he gazed at everything, but nothing did he see.

Sometimes he had the look of one who listens, but never did he hear.

Thus in silence and languor he passed from day to day, and from night to night, scarcely sleeping, rarely eating, and seeming always to be waiting, waiting, waiting.
Fresh prisoners came at short intervals, and then only was Israel's interest awakened.

One question he asked of all.