See, how mild is our ruler! He doth not order them to be cut in pieces.
JABAD
Hail to our Ruler! [The two others join in.]
HEROD
To speak candidly, friends, I do not lay hands on sages and fools willingly; for one can never know whether the executioner holds up the head of a sage or a fool.
GABALOS
Thou canst do no wrong, Sire; for thou art wise, all-wise!
HEROD
When I order thee to be beheaded, I shall not be wrong; for thou art a fool, a complete fool. [Nearing the seat.] Bring me----[Observes Salome, who, listening, has raised her head a little above the edge of the seat, then quickly dives down again.] I beg you to retire, and await me without the gate.
[Exeunt Gabalos, Merokles, Jabad.]