HEROD
To whom hast thou sent these messengers?... Thou art silent.... As I said before. I am from my heart sorry. So much might have been made of thee.... Still ... [He shrugs his shoulders.]
JOHN
[Holding out his arms distressed.] I beseech thee, Sire!
VITELLIUS
Did not I tell you? All kinds of people struggle to live, only the Roman understands how to die.
HEROD
Thou must ask the maiden, Baptist. Know that in her hands rests what chance thou hast of the thing called life.
SALOME
Master, now see'st thou how powerful I am? Now ask me! Ask me!