SALOME
[_Appears in the gateway._]
GAOLER
Princess, if ever thou comest through again, be sure to laugh, as to-day. For this gate is full of danger for Herod's children.
SALOME
What does it do to Herod's children, thy gate?
GAOLER
The two sons of Herod the Great came through this gate before they were sentenced, and through this gate----
MAECHA
Stop!...
SALOME
Let him alone, Maecha! His wisdom has taken a holiday. Hast thou no livelier stories, old man?
GAOLER
What sort dost thou mean, young Princess?
SALOME
Stories of yesterday. Stories that have not yet come to an end--stories that are as young [_stretches herself_] as we are.
GAOLER
Ah, I knew; but----
SALOME
But? Tell me, hast thou a new prisoner?
GAOLER
Yes.
SALOME
What has he done?
GAOLER
[_Maliciously._] He stole hens, young Princess.
SALOME
See to it that thou dost not steal my time!
ABI
[_Softly to him._] With her there is no jesting.
GAOLER
Princess, forgive.... I did not know.... Thou meanest, perhaps, John?
SALOME
Which John?
GAOLER
The one they call the Baptist--the Prophet from Judea, who----
SALOME
So he is here?
GAOLER
Yes; he has been here the last three days, Princess. They brought him at the end of the same cavalcade which brought thee. He lieth now safe with the salamanders and scorpions. They say he stirred up rebellion in Jerusalem, and therefore----
SALOME
I wish to see John. Bring him here!
GAOLER
[_Horrified._] Princess, that cannot be.
SALOME
I wish it! Hast thou not heard? I wish it!
GAOLER
Princess, I opened this gate for thee because thou hadst lost a plaything. Shall I now, instead of thy plaything, lose this old head?
MAECHA
Mistress, the Tetrarch is coming.