Fourth Wise Man, The (1985)

[bunniefuu]

Narrator: A long time ago,
in a land far away,

three wise-men set out in search
for the King of Kings.

This is the story
of the fourth wise-man.

Tigranes: Here, let me,
let me look at that, Ah--

Orontes: None of your business--
just keep your mouth shut.

In there, please, in there--
that way. that way.

You, you, you!

Please, please,
be careful with that!

Tigranes: Orontes.

Orontes: Yes, sir.

I can't believe your
master is willing to part

with these most extraordinary
pieces of art!

It's terrible,
it's terrible!

He's selling everything
he owns, sir.

But of all the Magi,

he has the most
lucrative practice

and the greatest expertise.

Yes, even the Emperor
sends for him when he's ill.

Excuse me, sir.

Orontes:
You, you--you--here!

Have you bought this?
Have you paid for this?

Man: Yes, I have.
Yes, I have

Why is he doing this--why?

Orontes: Master,
master, it's time.

THe service has begun.

It's the final sign.

I knew I was tight!

Tigranes: As faithful
members of the Magi,

We've deciphered
books of prophecy

in order to foretell the future.

But the highest knowledge
is the studies of the stars,

for they are the thoughts
of the Eternal--

Artaban:
Gentlemen, hear me!

I have an extraordinary
announcement!

Tigranes: We're in
the middle of the service.

Forgive me.

Father, I beg your permission
to speak before my fellow Magi.

Abgarus:
Speak if you must, my son.

Thank you, Father...

Rejoice, my brothers!
The prophecies are fulfilled!

Look you!

The star has appeared,
just as I predicted!

And its appearance confirms
the coming birth of a king

who will govern the entire
world, as one family.

Lord Abgarus,

everyone acknowledges that
your son has a brilliant mind,

but, uh--uh, we Magi
also practice humility.

It's true, Artaban.

Your search for truth is
sometime obscured by arrogance.

We'll study your findings--

No, no, there's
no time for further study!

Even now, Casper, Melichio and
Balthazar await us in Borsippa!

We must leave at once,
all of us,

to join them in the search
for the new king!

Is that why you've sold
all of your possessions?

Is that why you've turned away
your own patients?

That is precisely why.

And I have purchased
these precious gems.

Look you, a sapphire, a ruby

and the most precious of all,
this pearl--

to bear to him in tribute.

They will not leave my sight

until I've placed them
in his hands.

But where can we find Him?

In Israel.

Tigranes: Israel?

The tribes of Israel
are scattered like sheep.

They 're a broken race of men.

Artaban:
Mark you I pray--

"There shall come
a star out of Jacob

and a Scepter shall
arise out of Israel."

And I am convinced
he will appear in Jerusalem.

Tiranes: Yes, well
better to spend your money

increasing the power of the Magi
here in your own country.

Let not your
jealous pride restrain you

from so great
and noble a challenge.

Tigranes: Your arrogance is only
surpassed by your insolence.

Artaban: You claim I have no
humility, while you, Tigranes,

use the power and
knowledge of the Magi,

solely for your
own personal gain.

Abgarus:
Enough, please.

Tigranes: Lord Abgarus,
I know he's your,

but can this be the man chosen
to lead the brotherhood?

Come, let's go.

Who will join me?

Rhodespes, we have
long awaited this day.

Won't you join me?

I want to,
Artaban, I want to,

but as you know I have
just taken a new bride

and I certainly
can't take her with me.

But, you--you've worked
so very, very hard.

You've reached
the pinnacle of success.

How can you just
throw it away so quickly?

How can I not?!

I have nothing to lose
and everything to gain.

My dear friend, go--
go if you must.

May your steps prosper.

Farewell, my friend.

Artaban:
And you, father?

I know full well how you long to
transfer the burden of the Magi

to my shoulders.

But, I shall be worthy
of that responsibility

only if I have
done this thing first.

For I am confident it will
give my life new meaning,

real purpose, and direction.

This sign in the heavens
may lead to the King.

Or it may be only a shadow.

And after a long search,
you'll find only emptiness,

more darkness.

Are you suggesting I not go?

Abgarus: Better to follow
a shadow of the best,

than to sit content
and do nothing.

Follow your star.

Be true to yourself my son.

Thank you, father.

Artaban: Orontes?

Orontes: Yes!

Artaban: Kindly prepare
for my departure

Orontes:
Yes, Master.

It didn't go well, sir?

Argarus:
He's searching for a King

who has the power
to restore the dead to life.

Orontes: Perhaps
he's trying to restore life

to his wife and children, sir.

Abgarus: You'll serve
my son faithfully.

Orontes: Does that mean you
expect me to go with him, sir?

Abgarus:
You'll never leave his side

despite all hardships
or temptations.

Orontes: Sir, I am a sl*ve
and must obey.

But, I must tell you

that I would much prefer
to stay here.

Bring him home safely
and you're a freed man.

[gasp] A freed man?

Yes, sir, you
have my solemn vow.

Good.

Send me full reports.

I will indeed, sir.

God be with you both, Orontes.

I certainly hope so, sir.

Lord Argarus.

It is my fond hope
to see you very, very soon.

Farewell.

Artaban: I must reach
Borsippa is ten days

or the caravan
will leave without me.

Orontes: But sir,

we can't possibly travel
more than ten parasangs a day--

Artaban: Fifteen,
if we tax ourselves--

Orontes: Ah yes,
fifteen if we tax ourselves.

Orontes: (writing letter)
"Lord Abgarus, greetings.

We have been traveling
for nine days straight,

without a single break
to eat or sleep.

During the day fierce heat
presses upon us.

and yet on and on we ride

through snake pits
and sand dunes.

But, despite the hardships

that this wilderness
has plagued upon my body,

I do not complain,

because I am protecting your son
from the dark dangers

that lurk behind every miserable
gully and every jagged peak.

As we near the end
of our journey,

he has finally come to
recognize and appreciate me

as a source of
wisdom and strength.--

I remain your loyal servant,
Orontes."

Orontes: Master,
I'm chafed and bleeding

in very sensitive places.

Very well,
we'll rest here briefly.

You are most kind, Master.

Ooh, ooh.

We can still reach
Borsippa by midnight.

Just in time to leave
with my friends for Jerusalem.

Exile: Help me.

Master!!

Master!

Master!

Master!

Master!

Artaban:
Can you hear me?

This will only take a moment.

Orontes: Master,
the man's a complete stranger

and he's dead, as well.

He's alive.

Orontes: Master,
consider this master.

If we don't leave soon we'll
never get to Borsippa in time

and your friends
will think you've given up

and they'll leave without you.

Perhaps so.

Exile:
Help me, please...

But if we leave now
he'll surely die.

Master your goodness
is renowned everywhere...

but what claim has
this miserable beggar

on your compassion?

He claims my skills
as a physician!

Now quickly, in my saddle bag
there's an herb.

Orontes: There's an herb,
I know, I know.

I don't understand, sir.
You sell everything you own.

You leave everyone you love.

You go out looking for a King

and you don't even know
whether he exists or not.

And at the first
opportunity...

The King will wait for me,
I'm sure of it.

Orontes:
The man's a lunatic.

Artaban: Well, your appearance
has infinitely improved.

How do you feel?

Exile: Well.

Good.

Exile: May the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob bless you.

I have great need
of your prayers.

I'm on my way to Jerusalem

in search of
the new King of the Jews.

But, our prophets say
he won't be born in Jerusalem.

He'll be born in Bethlehem
in Judea.

In Bethlehem?

In Bethlehem...

Orontes: Water.

Here, my servant will bathe you.

Orontes: No-o--!

I mean it's very late, sir.

We should be getting on our way.

I'm sorry I can stay no longer.

My cloak, please.

Leave him some bread and water.

We, we have very
little left, Master.

Then leave him all of it.

Ah, yes--all of it.

Orontes: Casper...?!

Melchior...?!

Balthazar...??!

Again, louder.

[clears throat]

Casper...?!

Melchior...?!

Balthazar...??!

How could they
have left without me?!!

How much is left in the purse?

Just enough for
our passage home, sir.

Take this and sell it.

But it won't be necessary.

We're not going home, Orontes.

Ah, may-may-
may I ask where we are going?

We'll need camels and provisions

to follow them
across the desert.

See that we get them.

Master, this desert
is a very, very big place.

We're not equipped to make
this journey by ourselves.

Don't waste
any more time arguing!

Just do as I say!

Yes, Master.

I'm coming!

I'm coming!

Orontes: (writing letter)
"Lord Abgarus, Gree--tings...

Are you sitting down?

Your son, against my good counsel

has sold one third of
his fortune to buy camels.

He's assembling a caravan
to take us across the desert

to Bethlehem.

I keep saying to myself,

'Just get him there
and then home

and Lord Abgarus shall give me
the reward he promised:

my freedom!'"

Oh, they're here
They're here!

Woman:
Come, quickly!

A quiet sort of town...

Orontes:
...Hhmm--strange.

[sound of baby crying]

Orontes:
Yes, excuse me...

We were wondering if you
have perhaps seen three men

dressed as my master's dressed.

Anne: Yes...

You saw them?

Anne:
From a distance.

But there's
lots of gossip.

About the precious gifts that
they gave a child in a manger.

People thought it
quite peculiar.

A king in a manger?

No, wait.

Could you show
us this place, please.

Artaban: Did you learn
the name of the child?

Anne: No, no its parents
were strangers,

here only to be counted
for the census.

What became of the family?

Gone. Secretly.

It's whispered they went
as far away as Egypt.

Artaban: Egypt?

Orontes:
And my father's friends?

Annre: Disappeared
as suddenly as they'd come...

This is it.

Ever since, an evil spell has
been cast over the village.

Orontes: An evil spell.
What kind of an evil spell?

Some say King Herod is angry
about the birth of the child,

and will drag our men
into sl*very.

They've all gone
into hills.

My husband, as well.

Orontes: Master?

He's a beautiful child.

He's brought such joy
into our lives.

I had a son once,
and a daughter.

Master, please.

Thank you for your help.

Bye.

[baby crying]

All in all promising
information, I'd say sir.

We can't be terribly
far from them.

Woman: ...My baby!

Quickly, back inside!

Stay with your baby!

Keep the baby quiet!

I'm here alone

and I'm willing to give
the prudent young captain

this exquisite gem
to leave me in peace.

[baby crying]

Soldier: Trouble, Captain?

Maximus:
There's no child here.

Let's move out.

Orontes:
Are you all right, Master?

I'm fine.

Madame, don't be frightened.

No harm will come to your son.

Sir, may the Lord
bless you and keep you.

Thank you.

Come now.

We will escort you
into the mountains

to be with your husband.

Master, how did you
get them to leave?

I gave them something
to speed them on their way.

Orontes: But you don't
have anything, except--

[gasp] The ruby or the pearl?

The ruby.

Come please.

Here, I will take the child.

Please, we must hurry!

Shall I make preparations for us
to go back to Persia, Master?

No, Egypt.

The King is in Egypt.

Orontes: But Master,
how can we find him?

We don't even know
His name!

But we know where he is.
Come.

Orontes: Oohhh! Egypt!!!

Orontes: (writing letter)
"Lord Abgarus, greetings.

For some time we have been
wandering around

the palaces of Egypt,
searching for this king,

who, if he exists at all,
must be 3 or 4 by now."

Orontes: Master!

Artaban: My servant.

Master, I've found him.

Found who?

The Savior.

The child that you've
been looking for.

Master, I'd like
you to meet Joseph...

Joseph: It's an honor
to meet you, sir.

Artaban:
The honor is mine, sir.

Orontes: And Mary.

Artaban: Madame.

And their child Benjamin.

Benjamin.

May I?

He's about the right age.

Art thou a King?

Your son was born in Bethlehem?

Joseph:
Yes, in a manger.

And, uh, we were
visited by two Magi.

Orontes: Three!!

Three magi.

And what gifts
did they bring him?

Uh, Well, let's see...
they brought...

frankincense...and uh...
gold...and uh...

honey.

Orontes:
Myrrh? Was it...

Joseph:
Myrrh, yes, myrrh.

He liked the myrrh.

I'm sure.

Well, forgive me.

I trust my servant has
not inconvenienced you.

Orontes:
But, but Master.

Give him the pearl.
You found your Savior!

We can go home now!

Are you not covered with shame?

You still don't
understand, do you?!

I must find him!

Otherwise my life
is meaningless.

[singing/recitation]

Rabbi: To give this gift, such
a long and arduous journey.

Forgive me, Rabbi.

I'm lost and confused.

In my homeland I had achieved
great power and prestige

and I was blessed with
a beautiful family, as well.

And suddenly a terrible fire

took my wife
and children from me.

I mourned,
then I despaired.

I threw myself back
into my work and study.

but it left me empty, vacant.

Then I discovered the sign

foretold by your
ancient prophets,

announcing the birth
of the King of Kings.

And I set out to find him.

But, what can
you expect from him?

I felt compelled to serve him.

Somehow I know that
he is the only one

that can lead me
to life's real meaning.

Yes, yes.

I've searched all of Egypt
every palace, every temple.

I found nothing.

Perhaps you're not looking
in the right place.

You mean, he's gone
back to Jerusalem?

It's reasonable to assume
that the King of the Jews

would be in the land
of the Jews.

Yes.

But I don't think
you should look for him--

in the mansion of the rich.

Where then?

In the hovels of the oppressed.

No--.

"The spirit of the Lord
has been given to me,"

That's Isaiah
quoting the Messiah,

"He has sent me to bring
good news to the poor,

to bind up the broken-hearted,
to bring liberty to the c*ptive,

and to give
the blind new sight."

Why would a king,
a Messiah,

especially love the poor,
the oppressed,

and why would
he live among them?

Rabbi: Because
they need him more.

Because they have nothing else.

Who knows!

Tis a great mystery.

God's ways
are not our ways.

My son, may the Lord make his
countenance to shine upon you.

Go in peace.

Orontes: (writing letter)
"Lord Abgarus, wherever you are,

I know it's not home.

Believe it or not
we are headed back to Israel.

It turns out that this so-called
King does not live in a palace.

Artaban has now decided that
he reigns supreme in the slums.

I am not enjoying
myself at all."

Artaban: Orantes!

Orontes: Master!

Master!

They've got our donkey!

Artaban: Stop him Orontes,
he has the pearl!!

Orontes:
Master! Master!

Master, tell them
they can have the pearl!

Master, we're gonna die.

Courage!

Cour-age!!

Courage!

Please, please.

[Orontes shouts]

[crowd laughs]

Judith:
Bring them to me!

You are the Magi.
The healer?

I am.

Then come, my son is ill.

A g*ng of cowardly thieves
from this wretched--place

att*cked us and one of them
took something from me.

I want it back.

I want it back now!

Heal my son and your
possession will be returned.

Passhur:
Who's there?

Judith: I brought
someone to help.

Good.

My son is going blind.

Artaban:
He has a high fever.

There are several procedures
I can attempt.

Fresh water, please.

We have very few friends
in the outside world,

we help those who help us.

Artaban: I have something
for you to drink.

Drink it all.

Very good.

You rest now.

We'll know if it
worked by sundown.

Ekron!

Come here!

Orontes: Master, that's him!
That's the thief!

Ekron: Judith...

Judith: Ekron,
give it to me.

Thank you...

You're bleeding.

Orontes, get some
fresh water and bandages.

We need someone with healing skills

to care for all these people.

Well, we'd like to stay.

But my Master's on a very important mission.

If you could stay
for just one day,

it would be of help.

There are lepers here, Master.
Leprosy's contagious!

One more day isn't
going to make any difference.

in finding the Messiah.

These people
obviously need help.

I have to say
something right now.

I'm not gonna touch them.

You can b*at me.

You can burn my hair off.
Anything you want.

I won't touch them,
I'm not gonna help.

...As you wish!!

Then kindly find the horses.

Have all my medical supplies
sent up here

and come back for me tomorrow.

One day, sir, you promise.

One day.
Now, be off.

Artaban:
Don't be frightened.

Artaban:
Look at me.

Master, shouldn't
we be getting ready to leave?

One more day, Orontes.

Orontes: (writing letter)
"Yes, we are still at the colony

of outcasts.

One day has stretched into two,
then a week and a month,

until I have finally lost count
of how long we have been here."

Outcast Patient:
Um-ouh!!

Forgive me.
I'll be more gentle.

Umm!

Will you kindly tell him
I must change his bandages?!

We have no bandages.

Orontes:
"Still I refuse to help

these disease-ridden
half-lives."

Outcasts:
Go! Get Artaban!

Little Girl:
Is he gonna be all right?

He'll be fine.

Wounded Outcast:
Ouch-u--ua.

Artaban:
Steady, steady.

Passhur:
The townspeople hate us.

If they had their way

the Roman soldiers
would wipe us out tomorrow

Outcast:
Let 'em try!!

How long must this continue?!!

Instead of thieving and whoring
to support the colony,

you could become
self-sufficient here!

Outcast: How?

You could grow your own food!!
You could plant!!

Who would teach us?

I suppose I could
get you started.

So--start.

Orontes: "I trust that your son
will soon come to his senses

so that he may
continue his search

or even better, give it up!

Yours, in desperation,
Or-ontes."

Thank you.

Come along men,
all the rocks must be used.

Men: Here it comes!
Here it comes!

Water!

The water's here!

The water!

The water!

Artaban: Nothing.

Orontes: (writing letter)
"Lord Abgarus,

I beseech you
to contact your son.

Please urge
him to return home.

If he refuses, send someone
to help me drag him

out of this foul place.

And yet, I don't know why,

he seems happier
than I've ever seen him.

Why? I will never know.

And what I really wonder is:
How long can he keep this up?"

Heave!

Artaban: Push!...

Artaban: All right, ready?
Let us know when it's coming.

Push!

You're doing fine.
Push! Push! Push!

It's there!

Colonists: Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!

Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!
Hallelujah!!!

Orontes: "Your son works
morning, night and noon,

Lord Abgarus.

His sleep always interrupted
by another cry of pain.

In this world of anguish
he finds many to help

but none to follow.

It seems he has completely
forgotten his quest,

Lord Abgarus,

and I will never get home,
and never get my freedom."

Artaban: As I
unwrap the bandages

you should gradually see
more and more light.

And now?

Nothing!

Nothing, Artaban.

Artaban, what is wrong?

[panting]
I'm all right.

Townsperson: How much
longer must we sit by

and watch that colony of
riff-raff suck off our land?!

It was one thong when they
stopped buying food from us!

But now people are actually
going out to that hell-hole

to buy their fresh fruits
and vegetables!

Sucked us dry!

I propose a law
barring normal people

from associating with that type.

And if that doesn't work,
we'll, we'll burn them out!

Orontes:
Master, Master!

Oh, oh--
Look everyone!

It's my faithful servant,
Orontes,

come down from the mountain!

He who vowed he'd never set foot
in this place! [laughing]

Master, I have something
to tell you, Master.

I was just hearing
the townspeople--they're--

Artaban: Ah, enough!
We've heard it all before.

No, this time
they're serious, sir.

Orontes, it occurs to me

I've been far too lenient
with you, indeed.

All that's gonna change now.

Henceforth, if you want to eat

you'll work the farm
like everyone else.

No-o-o--!

Then starve!

You're my Master,
you're obliged to feed me!

Not if you don't do
as you're told!

Yes, sir!

Orontes: "Lord Artaban
has changed, completely.

Rather than being able
to elevate these creatures,

he has become--one of them.

Signed,
a sl*ve, Orontes."

Having fun are you?

I'm afraid tonight.

Why?

I don't know,
something's wrong.

Harvest time
in the leper colony.

What could possibly
be wrong!!

I don't know, Orontes.

But something's wrong.

Fire-er!!

Fire!!

Townspeople...

Judith: Orontes!

Keep her safe, Orontes

Woman Outcast: My baby!

No-no-ooo!!!

Orontes tried to warn me.

We'll build again.

We'll make this place
as good as it was before.

No, not I...

I have nothing left to give.

Orontes: Not again.

What is it you want?

Captain:
A man named Artaban.

I am he.

You have a visitor.

Artaban: Tigranes,
I can't believe it's you.

Tigranes: Old friend,
too many years stand between us.

Shamir: Father...

This is Shamir, my daughter.

You've become quite
a legend in our country.

Tigraness:
Yes, yes, you have--

Frankly, when I saw that you
were in a--colony of beggars--

I...Tell me, did you
ever find your King?

No.

Pity, Artaban.

The power of the Magi
has grown tremendously.

Due no small part
to my financial leadership.

We've extended
our trade to Israel

and it promises
to be very lucrative.

Come with us now.
We'll take care of you.

But I don't need your help.

Oh, Master, listen to
Lord Tigranes, and his wisdom.

You once said to me, "Let not
pride stand in your way."

I say the same to you now.

Ans I say again,
I don't need your help.

You don't have the courage
to admit that you were wrong.

Your father believed that
one day you would return

and rule the Magi.

If he had known
how you disgraced him,

how you've wasted your life among this scum.

It would have
k*lled him years ago.

Even if you do someday
find your king.

how could you possibly serve him?

You're a beggar.

What do you mean, years ago?

You're father's dead.

He d*ed miserable, alone,
and surrounded by strangers.

Come, Shamir, let's go.

Can't we stay and help him?

No,--He doesn't need our help.

Judith:
He's been like that for days.

Just sitting.
Just staring into nowhere.

His spirit's gone.
He's a broken man.

Judith: Isn't there something
we can do to help?

Oh, yes, oh, yes...

Give him back the last
thirty years of his life...

Master, you want a fig?

If you ask me, Master,

you made only one mistake
in your entire life:

Thinking too much
and not eating enough figs.

Well, I'm very glad to see
that you can still hear me!

Time has come for you and I
to part company, Orontes.

What do you mean?

You've never been happy here.

You never wanted to leave Persia.

You only stayed with me because
of a vow given my father.

My father's dead now.

I release you from your vow.

And I grant you your freedom.

My freedom!!

With my blessings.

Leave it to you

to give me my freedom
thirty years too late

in the most God-forsaken place
on the face of the earth!

That's no concern of mine.

Why're you doing this?

Because, I've grown weary
of your constant whining.

Well, that's
the gratitude I get--

Gratitude? For what?

Thinking of no one else
but yourself?

Looking down
on a group of people

who deserve your
caring and respect?

You've never been the slightest
use to me, Orontes.

I don't know why I've kept you
in my services as long as I have.

Now leave me!

Go your way a freed man.

All right.

I will.

Where are you off to
in such a hurry?

Artaban has granted me
my freedom!

And you can
leave him so easily?

Yes!

He's an arrogant
over-educated idiot!

Judith:
What was that all about?

You know I'm dying.

My heart won't see
another harvest.

Is that why you
sent Orontes away?

He's been a good
and dear friend.

I don't want him to witness
my final defeat.

What chance is there
of finding the King now?

Orontes: Wait, Passhur!
I'm going with you!

Here.

Take it to town.

Sell it and buy the things
the colony needs.

It hasn't--lost its luster
one single bit.

Artaban: I should
have done it long ago.

I realize that now.

Perhaps, I'm not worthy
to enter His Kingdom.

Or perhaps His Kingdom is only
a figment of my own arrogance.

Why have I always tried
to do everything alone?

You are not alone.

Peter: Hosanna
to the Son of David!

Make way for the Son of David!

Blessed is he who
comes in the Name of the Lord!

Blessed is the Son of David!

Hosanna to the Son of David!
Come, come...

Friend, friend!
What's all the commotion?

Peter: It's the prophet Jesus,
from Nazareth in Galilee.

Pashur:
Another prophet...

Ah, this one is real.

God is in Him.
God has been working in Him...

He makes the lame walk,
lepers clean, the deaf to hear,

the dead rise to life,
the blind recover their sight...

Hosanna to the Son of David!

Orontes!

Where are you going?

Where do you think?!

I'm going to Him!

I'm going to see Him!

Forgive forgive me
for bothering you,

particularly since
I don't believe you exist.

But, if you do, I--
I have a bit of a problem.

If this man Jesus

is the one that my Master's
been waiting for,

perhaps I should
go back and tell him.

But if I do,
I'll just get trapped there.

So what should I do?

So, all of this
talk about freedom

and all it's meant
is a lot of responsibility

and I'm not sure I like that.

Mmm--?

Pharisee #1:
This is terrible.

Some of the people are
actually following Him.

Pharisee #2: Most of the people
are following Him.

Pharisee #1: He puts himself
above Moses.

Pharisee #2:
Above Abraham.

Pharisee #1: Who does
He think He is?

Pharisee #2: He puts the spirit
of the law above its letter.

Pharisee #1: All He
talks about is love.

Pharisee #2:
So it's been said.

Pharisee #1:
He stirs the people up.

Pharisee #2:
Raises their expectations.

Pharisee #1:
This man must be silenced!

Pharisee #2: Stopped!!

k*lled !!!

Orontes...

Master, I have something
to report, Master.

I have found Him.

Who?

The one that you have been
searching for, Master!

The Messiah!

Please Orontes,
I'm too old and sick

for any more of your tricks.

No, it's not a trick, Master.
His name is Jesus!

And He, He's
from Nazareth, Master.

Go back to Persia.
Please, Orontes.

Master, He does things
only God can do!

Look, look!

Mother.

Artaban: Passhur!!

My good friend.

What happened?

Tell him how it happened.

You remember
I went after Jesus.

Yes.

Well, the crowd
thrust me forward

and I heard a gentle voice
speak to me.

He touched my eyes.

I could feel the love
and the power flow in.

And all of a sudden...

He has made
the blind see, Master.

The blind to see.

It must be He.

Yes, He's in Jerusalem.

You, you must go to Him.

Me? Oh no, no, not now.
Not like this.

He'd never receive me.

He would, sir!

He surrounded Himself with
the blind, the cripples,

with the homeless.

This is true.
I have seen it!

Yes.

When I have
nothing to give Him.

I--I did not sell this.
I could not.

Somehow I knew that
your search was not over.

Orontes?

Yes, Master.

Will you go with me?

As your sl*ve?

As my brother.

Yes, I will.

Then we go.

Woman: He will go!

[crowd cheers]

Soldier:
Raise the gate!

Orontes: Master, master!

Up here.
I have news.

Come, come.

Lower the gate.

Artaban: We were told that
Jesus the Master was here.

Maacah:
You just missed Him.

He and His friends
finished eating and left.

Can you tell us
where He went?

Maacah:
Who is it who asks?

I am Artaban of the Magi and
this is my brother, Orontes.

Together we have searched
most of our lives for Him.

You must know where He is.

Maacah:
What do you want with Him?

I know Him to be the Messiah.

Please, I am old
and ill of health.

My one last wish
is to see Jesus before I die.

Pardon my suspicion,
but you're strangers.

You could be working
for the Lord's enemies.

He's told too many people things
they didn't want to hear.

What things?

Like, "Love your enemies,"

"Do good to those who hate you,"

"Pray for those
who persecute you."

But, these are
strong words of truth.

Too strong for some.

But, I trust you.

Go to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Gethsemane.

Artaban:
Who is there?

Peter:
What do you want with me?

Wait, we've come
for Jesus the Master.

I don't know what you mean.

Orontes: Yes, you do!
You're one of His disciples!

I don't know the man!

You do!!
I saw you with Him last Sunday!

And I tell you--
I don't know the man!

[cock crowing]

He knew--
He said I would deny Him.

How did He know?

Calm yourself, my friend.

Can you tell us where He is now?

Judas betrayed Him
to the Pharisees.

And He was taken
before the Sanhedrin.

And now Pontius Pilot has Him
and He will k*ll Him.

Come.

I'm sor-r-y--

Soldier:
Raise the gate...

Soldier:
Raise the gate...

Lower the gate.

Good soldier, please.

We were told that Jesus
the Nazarene might be here.

Yes.

Ooh--

But, I'm afraid at present
he's otherwise engaged.

But we must
be allowed to see Him.

No one enters here, old man.

[sound of whispering]

Orontes:
What's all that noise?

It's His coronation ceremony.

[soldiers laughing]

Lia--Ar--!!

Wretch!!

Mon-n--Monsters...

Soldier:
Raise the gate.

Master, master.

Soldier: Stop him!
Stop that man!

Master.

Shamir: Father,
what's going on?

Tigranes: Shhhh...

Shhhh...

Ships were lost at sea...
My investment's gone.

Everything is gone.

We've got to leave here now.

I owe everybody.

Artaban: Orontes?

Yes, Master?

[women wailing]

Where am I?

You had another att*ck, Master,

but I've sent Judith to
come and help take care of you.

And what's happened to Jesus?

He has been taken to a place
outside the city walls

called Calvary.

Where, I am afraid,
they're going to execute Him.

We must--go there.

Master, you're ill, please.
I beg you stay here.

Artaban:
Listen to me Orontes.

With this pearl we can
ransom Him from His enemies.

We can prevent His execution.

Orontes: Master.

Wait.

Je-sus!

Oh, Master!

Oh, Master!
Come back and rest.

Artaban:
I must--reach Him.

I must.

N-o...!

It's too late, Master.

No. It is not too late.

Soldier: All right,
keep it moving! Keep it moving!

And get out of the way!
Get back!

Move it, you.

Tigranes!!

Lord Artaban!

Save me!

Shamir!

I know this child.

What hap-pened?

They k*lled my father!

I'm being sold
to pay for his debt!

Wait!--

Capt-t-...

Voice in distance:
My God!--My God!--

Why has Thou forsaken Me?

Voice: Father, into Thy hands
I commend My spirit.

Oh, Orontes, wait!

Oh, Master.

Water.

Stay with Him.
I'll go for water.

Lord, it is You!

You're alive!

Oh, Master,
I have long sought You.

Forgive me.

Once I had precious
gifts to give.

Now I have nothing.

Voice: Artaban, you've already
given your gifts to Me.

I don't understand,
my God.

Voice: When I was hungry,
you gave Me to eat;

When I was thirsty,
you gave Me to drink,

When I was naked,
you clothed Me.

When I was homeless,
you took Me in.

Oh, not so, my Savior.

I never saw You hungry.

Nor thirsty.

I never clothed You.

I never brought You
into my home.

I've never seen You
until now.

Voice: Whenever
you did these things

for the least of my brothers
you did them for Me.

Orontes.

Yes, Master.

Did you hear?

Did you see?

We have found the King.

We found Him, Orontes.

And he has accepted
all my gifts.

We will bury him near the tomb
where they laid Jesus.

Where will you go?

Ah, back to the colony with you.

There are many there
who need our help.