HEROD
And where are thy playmates?
SALOME
They are afraid of thee, so they have crept away. Abi, Maecha, come forth; our master commands it. [Abi and Maecha come out hesitatingly, and curtsey profoundly.]
HEROD
Thy eyes plead for them, therefore they shall not be scolded.
SALOME
And my lips thank thee on their behalf.
HEROD
They thank like conquerors. There is music in them. How is it, Salome, that I have never heard thy voice?