John the Baptist: A Play - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Thy eyes plead for them, therefore they shall not be scolded.
SALOME
And my lips thank thee on their behalf.
HEROD
They thank like conquerors. There is music in them. How is it, Salome, that I have never heard thy voice?
SALOME
Thou shouldst ask my mother, Sire.
HEROD
[_Fiercely._] Thy mother! Still, I know that thou art well disposed towards me. Thou didst deliver into my hand that maid who carried on treason at night outside the Palace.
SALOME
Could I do less, Sire? And him to whom she betrayed thy secrets, wilt thou not punish him too?
HEROD
I do not know. But how?
SALOME
Sire, it seemeth to me that he hath a great following among the people.
If thou sparest him, the people will like thee.
HEROD
Words of wisdom fall from thy lips, Salome.
SALOME
See how his disciples tarry at the entrance. If thou treatest him well, they will carry praises of thee to Jerusalem.
HERODIAS
How unlike thou art to thy mother, Salome!
SALOME
And how like, too!
HEROD
I would rather think that thou wert unlike. My sweet, unveil thyself.
SALOME
Sire, if thou wert my father! But thou art not. Directly thou comest near, my mother herself draweth my veil down deep over my breast.
HEROD
Unveil to me.
SALOME
Sire, not when I am alone with thee.
HEROD
Then if I was with others, thou wouldst?
SALOME
Perhaps. Ask my mother.
HEROD
A little now. Just a finger's length.
SALOME
No, really ... it is not seemly, Sire.
HEROD
But if I were sitting with other men ... at meat ... or over wine ...
and thou camest and unveiled, that would be more seemly?
SALOME
May be!... I can dance, Sire.
HEROD
Wouldst thou do that for me also?
SALOME
And what wouldst thou do for me?
HEROD
Salome!
