SALOME

Yes; I am she.

JOHN

Let me look into thy eyes, maiden.

SALOME

Look, master ... No, but not like that.... If you compellest me to put my hands before my face, I shall spread my fingers apart and laugh between them; yes, I shall laugh.

JOHN

Maiden, knowst thou not how abhorred this house is? Keepest thou thy soul innocent among the guilty?

SALOME

Look at me again, master.... Am I not young among the Daughters of Israel? And I have heard say that youth knoweth nothing of the guilty and of guilt. See, they keep me confined to the upper chambers. I drew back the bolts and crept out here, because I knew thou wert here, master.