SALOME
[Has crossed over the stage and goes stealthily to the door on left. In great curiosity she draws back the curtain, and after gazing eagerly through it, reels backwards into the arms of Herodias. Outside, behind the middle curtain, an ever-increasing tumult and murmur of many voices has arisen.]
VITELLIUS
Bid the women to sit down. Thou hast an ill-conducted people. They brawl in the street while we dine.
HEROD
Are they already muttering about the Baptist? Gabalos, look to it, and tell them to be quiet.
GABALOS
It shall be done, Sire. [Exit.
SALOME
[Pointing to the door, the curtains of which are open.] Mother, see what they are bringing. See! [She rushes out.]
HEROD
[Descending the steps of the dais.] What does she want there?
HERODIAS
Sire, thou art of simple understanding. I advise thee to look the other way.
HEROD
What is she doing?
HERODIAS
She is dancing! She holds the charger with the Prophet's head high in her arms, and dances.
JABAD
See, she dances!
HEROD
So thou hast corrupted thy own flesh and blood. So thou wilt corrupt us all.
HERODIAS
[Smiling, shrugs her shoulders.]
MEROKLES
She sways. She will fall!
HERODIAS
[Goes out composedly.]
MEROKLES
The head is rolling on the floor!
MARCELLUS
Oh, horror!
HERODIAS
[Comes back supporting Salome in her arms.]
SALOME
Mother, where is the dish? Where is the head?
HERODIAS
Make obeisance. Speak thy thanks.
SALOME
[Before Herod.] Sire, I am a rose of Sharon. A flower of the valley ... Who would thank me should pluck me ... Oh, look at the head!
HEROD
Take the women away!
HERODIAS
[Curtseys, and leads, smiling; the half-swooning Salome off to right.]
SCENE X
The same. [Without Herodias and Salome.]
Gabalos [has re-entered from left].
HEROD
Well, what is the matter?
GABALOS
Sire, the people will not be restrained. Men and women in holiday raiment fill the streets and crowd on the roofs. They carry palms in their hands, and sing and shout for joy.
HEROD
What are they singing?
GABALOS
Thou knowest, Sire, I am not servile, but I scarcely like to say.
HEROD
Speak!
GABALOS
Hosannah! to Him Who shall come. Hosannah to the King of the Jews! So they sing.
HEROD
[Grinding his teeth.] I have had John beheaded. Who may this one be?
GABALOS
If thou wouldst see Him, Sire, they say He is coming this way.
HEROD
I will see Him. I will greet Him as I promised. Ha! ha! ha! Open!
SCENE XI
[The curtains are drawn aside. One sees the roofs crowded with women waving palms. Others, with palms in their hands, climb the hilly street below. The shouting swells in volume and becomes an orderly, harmonious song.]
VITELLIUS
[Who has continued sitting, turns round indignantly.] What is going on there again?
HEROD
[Has grasped a goblet, and springs on the topmost step.]
Greeting to thee, my King ---- of the ----
[He looks, stops short ... the goblet slips from his hand, he turns away and hides his face in his mantle.]
THE OTHERS
[Also stand, looking down in silent amazement. The Hosannahs rise from the street.]
[The Curtain falls.]