² Cf. the instructions given to Peter and John in the Passion according to Luke.

‘As you go into the city there shall meet you a man carrying a pitcher of water: follow him into the house where he entereth in ... And he will show you a large dining-room furnished, and there prepare.’ (Trans. of Vulgate.)

The passage also partly reflects memories I have of walking in the lanes of Jerusalem, the excessive dryness and white dust, the low arched entries and stairs up into cool interior rooms.