A very short time after these events there came two soldiers to the Jordan, not to have the water poured over their heads, but to arrest the desert preacher and take him to Jerusalem to Herod.

Herod received him politely, and said: "I have summoned you here because I am told that you are the preacher." "They call me preacher and Baptist." "I want to hear you.

And, indeed, you must refute what your enemies say against you." "If it was only my enemies, it would be easy to refute them." "They say that you insult my royal house, that you say the prince lives in incest with his brother's wife.

Did you say that ?" "I do not deny it." "You have come to withdraw it ?" "Sire," said the prophet, "I have come to repeat it.

You are living in incest with your brother's wife.