JOHN

[In torture, half to himself.] Who knoweth?

SALOME

Master, what harm shall wrath do one, who is a jubilation and a feast day? And if thou camest to me in flames of fire, I would not mourn my youth for the length of two moons.... I would stretch out my arms and cry, "Destroy me, flame; take me up!"

JOHN

[After a pause.] Go!

SALOME

I am going. [She rushes into the arms of Herodias, who enters.] Mother!

SCENE IX

The same. Herodias and her women.