SCENE X
The same. Herod, Herodias, Salome and their train appear above in the background. The company of soldiers, with their officers, have posted themselves at the Palace gates. In silence the procession descends.
ONE OF THE TRAIN
Hail to Herod! [Still silence.] Now, ye dogs! Cry, Hail!
HEROD
At what are the people gaping? [To the Commander of the Guard.] Ye, who in obedience to Rome's command are here to protect me, cannot you clear them out of my way?
THE SOLDIERS
[At a sign from their Captain begin to charge the people with lowered spears.]
AMASAI
[Who is standing in the foremost row. Turns with a shrill cry.] Woe! woe! [Takes fight.]
[Jorab follows him. The people retreat with a subdued exclamation of fear. John alone stands his ground, his head held high, and measures Herod with his glance.]
SALOME
[Raising her veil.] Mother, look at that man. It is the same who stood in the market-place and at the gates and everywhere where we have passed.
HEROD
And everywhere caused dissension.
SALOME
Look! His eyes flash fire! Mother, look!
HEROD
Come along, ye women. And if the pious citizens of Jerusalem have unlearnt the way to welcome with rejoicing the representative of the great race of Herod [with a glance at the Captain of the Guard], Rome, I hope, will teach it to them again. [The Captain shrugs his shoulders with a slight smile.]
HEROD
Come, I pray. [Herod, Herodias, Salome, go with their train into the Palace; the common soldiers into the guard-room.]