John the Baptist: A Play Part 49

But I would have scourged you with iron rods. Therefore is my kingdom come to shame, and my lips are sealed. I hear roundabout a rus.h.i.+ng noise, as of many waters, and the divine radiance is near me.... A throne hath descended out of heaven amidst darts of fire. The King of Peace sitteth thereon in white robes. And His sword is called Love, and His watchword is mercy.... Behold He hath the bride, He is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom standeth and listeneth, and rejoiceth over the voice that is coming. The same is my joy. Now is it fulfilled. [_He stands with his arms outspread and his eyes turned towards heaven. Mana.s.sa and Amarja sink at his feet._]

VITELLIUS

Dear friend, it seems to me that we have had enough of this maniac.

HEROD

[_Between emotion and scorn._] John, I am truly grieved on thy account.

And when He cometh of whom thou dreamest, I will greet Him as I have greeted thee. Ha! ha! ha! Lead him to execution.

SALOME

Now, ask me! [_As John smilingly looks beyond her._] Mother, will he not ask?

SCENE IX

_Vitellius, his suite, Herod, Herodias, Salome, Merokles, Gabalos, Jabad._

VITELLIUS

My friend, thy banquet has been somewhat disturbed. [_As Herod stares at the door through which John has disappeared._] No matter what I say, he does not hear me.

HEROD

Exalted highness, pardon!

SALOME

[_Has crossed over the stage and goes stealthily to the door on left.

In great curiosity she draws back the curtain, and after gazing eagerly through it, reels backwards into the arms of Herodias. Outside, behind the middle curtain, an ever-increasing tumult and murmur of many voices has arisen._]

VITELLIUS

Bid the women to sit down. Thou hast an ill-conducted people. They brawl in the street while we dine.

HEROD

Are they already muttering about the Baptist? Gabalos, look to it, and tell them to be quiet.

GABALOS

It shall be done, Sire. [_Exit._

SALOME

[_Pointing to the door, the curtains of which are open._] Mother, see what they are bringing. See! [_She rushes out._]

HEROD

[_Descending the steps of the dais._] What does she want there?

HERODIAS

Sire, thou art of simple understanding. I advise thee to look the other way.

HEROD

What is she doing?

HERODIAS

She is dancing! She holds the charger with the Prophet's head high in her arms, and dances.

JABAD

See, she dances!

HEROD

So thou hast corrupted thy own flesh and blood. So thou wilt corrupt us all.

HERODIAS

[_Smiling, shrugs her shoulders._]

MEROKLES

She sways. She will fall!

HERODIAS

[_Goes out composedly._]

MEROKLES

The head is rolling on the floor!

MARCELLUS

Oh, horror!

HERODIAS

[_Comes back supporting Salome in her arms._]

SALOME

Mother, where is the dish? Where is the head?