SALOME
[After cowering at her feet, springs up, and throws herself on her neck.]
HERODIAS
I will not reproach thee for denouncing me in the market-place of Jerusalem, for thou dost not know me.... Yet I was not well pleased that thou didst chew the cud of wormwood, which hath embittered these Judean cattle against me. I should have thought thou wast too proud, thy solitary nature too noble!
JOHN
I have not come here for thy praise or thy blame. I have but a simple question to ask. Art thou going on the first day of the Passover to the Temple, at the Tetrarch's side?
HERODIAS
[Mastering her scorn with difficulty.] I perceive, thou great prophet, that thy wrath strains on its chain.... Before thou lettest it loose, permit me also to ask a question; for see, I am endeavouring to approach thee, and would gladly win thee. Wert thou not a riddle to me, I should not ask it. Yet truly no man is so curiously fashioned as not to cherish secret wishes in his heart. Every one hath said to himself: "This were my delight, and that my desire."
JOHN
I understand thee not.