University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Marble bath-room, in the Palace. Enter Salome half-fainting.
Salome.
Why was the King so wrought upon? what spell
Can a girl's dance enkindle, thus to madden
Into such promises?
[She walks up to a mirror, and prepares for the bath.]
And swear—methought—
Unto the half of's kingdom, he would give me . . . .
Herod did swear! What shall I ask of him?

Enter Herodias, (with a triumphant air).
Herodias.
Witch! larks-heel! now will I kiss thy feet, thou wonder!

Salome.
Have I done so very well?

Herodias.
Oh, matchless well!

Salome.
You heard King Herod's promise?

Herodias.
Yes—yes—yes!

Salome.
What shall I ask?

Herodias
(fiercely.)
The head of John the Baptist!

Salome
(in dismay).
The head of—Oh, my mother! What, the head
Of John!—

Herodias.
I say his head—brought in a charger!

Salome
(shuddering).
But what to do—with that fast-bleeding gift?

Herodias.
To roll before the dogs of Galilee!
Or toss into the Jordan—for self-baptism!

Salome.
Oh mother!—Oh, I cannot!

Herodias
(with passion).
But you must!
We are not safe while that head holds its place.
Think of the insults, barb'd—and poison'd too;
Think of his daring threats against King Herod—
My husband—thy step-father—of the danger
To his rule here in Galilee—his life—
My life—nay, all our lives;—and think besides,
Of this great moment for a perfect vengeance,
Which ne'er may fall again! My will is fix'd.
Ask nothing else, but that forthright they bring thee
The head of John the Baptist in a charger!

Salome
(in dismay).
How—how shall I find words for this? My mouth
Will open without speech!

Herodias
(furiously).
Look in my face!
And gather words, like lightning on the wall
Whereon a dazzling scrawl writes—‘half a kingdom!’

Salome.
But this is of Death's kingdom!

Herodias.
And life's safety
For all of us. Jewels in heaps—but first
That mortal ruby!

Salome
(starting).
Oh, you strip all off!
I am again unclothed!

Herodias.
No, no, this veil!
Fold thee within its lustrous serpent-volumes!
And now return!—begone, I say!—and ask!

[Exit Salome.]
Herodias
(gasping for breath).
I, too, lose speech! O, burning tears of joy!
Speak for me, scalding fountains of the grove
Where Vengeance stalks in hopes to meet the ghost
Of him she hath destroyed.
[Voices from the hall]
Ha! she has asked!

[Storm without. Hurricane, followed by heavy hail and rain.]
Enter Herod (in great trouble).
Herod.
What hath thy daughter asked? why hast thou caused her
To crave this thing? I do repent mine oath.
The fumes of wine are driven o'er towers and fields
By sudden gusts of thought. Curs'd be that dance!
Jephtha was wrong in keeping his rash vow:
'Twere good he had considered which was worse—
To keep it, or to break it;—and 'twas worse
To keep it. Many do believe and follow
This Prophet John. I have observ'd him well—
As a just man, and holy—and have heard
Much of his teaching, and have thought it good—
Heeding, in some sort, his reproof of us:—
Albeit, I would not have that known. Thy mænad
Should ask for something else.

Herodias
(rising solemnly).
She shall do so.

Herod.
What would she have?

Herodias.
I care not—but I know
Thou wilt repent the change.

Herod.
What should I fear?

Herodias.
The Gods, by whom you swore.

Herod.
I will consult the priests.

Herodias.
And fear besides
Great Cæsar's anger. Heard not thine own guards
What this man said of all the race of Cæsars!—
Of all the Cæsars, and their tetrarch apes—
Those were his words. Bethink thee of thy crown—
Not half thy kingdom, but the whole of it!—
Thy life—and of thy royal oath before
Those who sat with thee at thy birthday feast,
Who should not deem thy sceptre and thyself
A trembling shadow and a mockery!

Herod.
All this is true.

Herodias.
Come back with me to the Hall.
(Aside)
The King turns pale: Check—check—and I shall win.

Herod.
I am exceeding sorry for mine oath.

Herodias
(dolefully).
And I—and I;—but the Gods heard you swear!
And all the lords and captains of the court!

[Exeunt.