SALOME
No matter. Chide me not. Think, are not our dreams confused too? When I flew hither with my mother, we came at night to a field of poppies. And the dew shone on their petals.... They looked grey, and were all closed up because it was night.... But now they are wide open, and I think my cheeks must glow red in their reflection.
JOHN
Thou art lovely among the daughters of Jerusalem. They will weep for thee.
SALOME
Why will they weep? Am I to be sacrificed? Not I, master. Protect me! I have heard of a king, master, who made a compact with the sun. Hast thou heard of him? [John bows his head.]
SALOME
Well, I will make a compact with thee. Shall I be the sun, and thou my king? Or wilt thou be the sun, and I thy queen?
JOHN
Maiden, I cannot be either sun or king.