John the Baptist: A Play - LightNovelsOnl.com
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What dost thou know of him?
MIRIAM
That last night I sat at his feet praying.
SALOME
[_Coming forward_] Thou? Thou?
MAECHA
Pardon! A moment ago he was standing close to the Palace.
HERODIAS
Show him to me.
MAECHA
[_From the window_] Now is he gone.
HERODIAS
[_To Miriam_] So speed after him, and when thou hast found him, bring him privately through yonder gate. [_Points below to the right_]
SALOME
She shall not.... I will not ... _Not_ her!
HERODIAS
Why not?
SALOME
[_Throwing her arms round Miriam_] She is dearest to me. I will not let her go out of my sight. [_Comes over and supplicates Herodias_] Mother!
HERODIAS
Art thou still such a child? [_To Miriam._] Go!
SALOME
[_Angrily._] Miriam!
[_Exit Miriam._
HERODIAS
Such a child, and already hast the tooth of a serpent in thy mouth!
SALOME
[_Kneels on the couch before her mother and encircles her knees with her arms._] Forgive me, mother. We, thou and I, are not like others. We sting those we love.
HERODIAS
[_Sotto voce._] And those we hate?
SALOME
[_Sotto voce._] We kiss!
HERODIAS
[_Laughing._] Child! [_She kisses her._]
SALOME
[_Laughing._] Thou kissest me!
SCENE III
_The same. The Palace Captain._
PALACE CAPTAIN
My master, the Tetrarch Herod, would see thee, mistress.
HERODIAS
[_In growing anxiety covers Salomes' face with her veil._] Go, make haste; go!
SALOME
Mother, I am dull in the upstair chambers. May I not stay near thee?
HERODIAS
[_Looking towards the door._] Go, instantly!
SALOME
[_Slowly climbs the stairs with her companions._]
HERODIAS
Thou art Captain in the Palace?
