Salome Who is Elias?

Second Soldier A prophet of this country in bygone days, Princess.

The Slave What answer may I give the Tetrarch from the Princess?

The Voice of Iokanaan Rejoice not, O land of Palestine, because the rod of him who smote thee is broken. For from the seed of the serpent shall come a basilisk, and that which is born of it shall devour the birds.

Salome What a strange voice! I would speak with him.

First Soldier I fear it may not be, Princess. The Tetrarch does not suffer anyone to speak with him. He has even forbidden the high priest to speak with him.

Salome I desire to speak with him.

First Soldier It is impossible, Princess.

Salome I will speak with him.

The Young Syrian Would it not be better to return to the banquet?

Salome Bring forth this prophet.

Exit the Slave

First Soldier We dare not, Princess.

Salome (approaching the cistern and looking down into it) How black it is, down there! It must be terrible to be in so black a hole! It is like a tomb.…(To the soldiers) Did you not hear me? Bring out the prophet. I would look on him.

Second Soldier Princess, I beg you, do not require this of us.

Salome You are making me wait upon your pleasure.

First Soldier Princess, our lives belong to you, but we cannot do what you have asked of us. And indeed, it is not of us that you should ask this thing.

Salome (looking at the young Syrian) Ah!

The Page of Herodias Oh! what is going to happen? I am sure that something terrible will happen.

Salome (going up to the young Syrian) Thou wilt do this thing for me, wilt thou not, Narraboth? Thou wilt do this thing for me. I have ever been kind towards thee. Thou wilt do it for me. I would but look at him, this strange prophet. Men have talked so much of him. Often I have heard the Tetrarch talk of him. I think he is afraid of him, the Tetrarch. Art thou, even thou, also afraid of him, Narraboth?

The Young Syrian I fear him not, Princess; there is no man I fear. But the Tetrarch has formally forbidden that any man should raise the cover of this well.°

Salome Thou wilt do this thing for me, Narraboth, and tomorrow when I pass in my litter beneath the gateway of the idol sellers I will let fall for thee a little flower, a little green flower.°

The Young Syrian Princess, I cannot, I cannot.