SCENE IV
Herod. Vitellius. Marcellus (and other Romans of the Legate and suite), Merokles, Gabalos, Jabad.
HEROD
Welcome to my table, exalted Vitellius, who bringest on the soles of thy feet the sacred soil of Rome into my poor dwelling. Welcome to you also, ye who follow him, according to Rome's command. She, our august mother, but ordereth what my soul desireth.
VITELLIUS
Thou hast my thanks, excellent prince.
HEROD
Repose now at thy pleasure, exalted one. [They lie on the couches.]
GABALOS
[Low.] Say, my brave Marcellus, how dost thou like this Jewish ear-wig?
MARCELLUS
It doth not find its way to our ears.
HEROD
And if thou wilt consent to crown thy brow with this wreath, as our Lord and Master, I shall be able to persuade myself that I am thy guest, instead of thou being mine.
VITELLIUS
Thou art Rome's guest, Highness. Thus I will accept what befitteth me. [Puts on the wreath which a servant hands to him.]
GABALOS
There was a sting in that speech.
HEROD
[Quickly collecting himself.] My good Merokles, begin.
MEROKLES
[Stands up and reads from a roll of parchment.]
"Cooled by Hebron's far-gleaming snow,
The fiery soul, concealed in ice,
Favours with its flickering smile
Us the worshippers.
"So thou sendest forth twofold beams of silent light,
So flames for us shoot forth from thy coldness,
So we prize as sacred thy flickering smile, mighty Vitellius--
Till we----"
VITELLIUS
My dear friend, what is this man talking about?
HEROD
Doth it displease thee, Exalted One?
VITELLIUS
It seemed to me that he called my name. In the case of his desiring a favour, it shall be immediately granted if he promises to keep silent for the future!
GABALOS
Oh, friends, what a success!
VITELLIUS
Nevertheless, thy peacock's liver is good, very good, my dear Herod.
HEROD
Thou rejoicest me, Exalted Highness. Wilt thou not now command thy Libyan flute-players to come and charm thy ear?
VITELLIUS
My ear is obedient. Let them come.