I'll take care, love, that he doth not meet thee. But enough of the Baptist. Once more thy price, Herodias?
HERODIAS
Look at me! Here is a woman that no longer adorns her own body because thou now scornest it; she therefore adorns instead the body that came from hers. Here is a woman whose breasts have withered because her eyes have shed tears of blood. Therefore she will let the budding bosom, from which the veil has never yet fallen, be exposed to thine and thy guests' lustful gaze. And for this sacrifice of unspeakable bitterness I ask nothing, for I am without wishes. One who can still hope shall ask. Salome shall ask.
HEROD
Salome ... I would rather it were so.
HERODIAS
And thou wilt grant what she asks?
HEROD
I know not. I will see. I will let myself be driven. For in combat with the strong that is the last resource of the weak. But take care whither thou drivest me.... Mistress! [Exit.