HEROD
The head of a man, great legate, who lies in my prison, whom I have there learnt to respect, I had almost said, to love.
VITELLIUS
Oh, oh!... And is he on view, this man for whose head daughters of princes dance before thee?
HEROD
Fetch him. [Exit servant.] Damsel, thy mother led thee into this. Thou knowest not what thou askest.... Take back thy request.
SALOME
I beg and desire that thou wilt give me the head of John the Baptist on a golden dish. [Silence.]
HEROD
And if I refuse?