SALOME
I wish it! Hast thou not heard? I wish it!
GAOLER
Princess, I opened this gate for thee because thou hadst lost a plaything. Shall I now, instead of thy plaything, lose this old head?
MAECHA
Mistress, the Tetrarch is coming.
SALOME
[Veiling herself.] Hide yourselves! [She stoops behind the seat; the maidens slip into the bushes.]
[In the gateway Herod and his attendants.]