Believest thou still that I hurried here only for the sake of a kiss?
HEROD
I shudder at thee. But even if the priests be won over, there remains the people, the hydra-headed; thou knowest not the people. They once, it is said, hurled sacrificial victims at the head of their king, they slew Barachia's son between the Temple and the altar. And besides, dost thou not know that John the Baptist is in the town?
HERODIAS
The Baptist! Leave the Baptist to me.
HEROD
I warn thee, approach him only with a weapon in thy hand!
HERODIAS
[Laughs.]