The Cappadocian What is he talking of?

First Soldier We can never tell. Sometimes he says things that affright one, but it is impossible to understand what he says.

The Cappadocian May one see him?

First Soldier No. The Tetrarch has forbidden it.

The Young Syrian The Princess has hidden her face behind her fan! Her little white hands are fluttering like doves that fly to their dove-cots. They are like white butterflies. They are just like white butterflies.

The Page of Herodias What is that to you? Why do you look at her? You must not look at her.…Something terrible may happen.

The Cappadocian (pointing to the cistern) What a strange prison!

Second Soldier It is an old cistern.

The Cappadocian An old cistern! That must be a poisonous place in which to dwell!

Second Soldier Oh no! For instance, the Tetrarch’s brother,° his elder brother, the first husband of Herodias the Queen, was imprisoned there for twelve years. It did not kill him. At the end of the twelve years he had to be strangled.

The Cappadocian Strangled? Who dared to do that?

Second Soldier (Pointing to the Executioner, a huge negro) That man yonder, Naaman.

The Cappadocian He was not afraid?

Second Soldier Oh no! The Tetrarch sent him the ring.

The Cappadocian What ring?

Second Soldier The death ring. So he was not afraid.

The Cappadocian Yet it is a terrible thing to strangle a king.

First Soldier Why? Kings have but one neck, like other folk.

The Cappadocian I think it terrible.

The Young Syrian The Princess is getting up! She is leaving the table! She looks very troubled. Ah, she is coming this way. Yes, she is coming towards us. How pale she is! Never have I seen her so pale.

The Page of Herodias Do not look at her. I pray you not to look at her.

The Young Syrian She is like a dove that has strayed.…She is like a narcissus trembling in the wind.…She is like a silver flower.

Enter Salome

Salome I will not stay. I cannot stay. Why does the Tetrarch look at me all the while with his mole’s eyes under his shaking eyelids? It is strange that the husband of my mother looks at me like that. I know not what it means. Of a truth I know it too well.