[_Laughing._] Of course, my friend, thou hast sworn. We are all witnesses of that. Ah! What a wood-G.o.d they are bringing in over there.
SCENE VI
_The same. John_ [_led in by two armed men_].
HEROD
I have summoned thee, Baptist. I am sorry for thee. Prepare thyself, for the evening of thy days is come.
JOHN
I am ready, Sire.
HEROD
Understand me. I am truly sorry. But thou must meet death. Now, on the spot.
JOHN
[_After looking searchingly towards the door._] Sire, grant me a respite.
VITELLIUS
Thy hero doth not appear to be all too ready. A little more and he would whimper.
HEROD
Baptist, wherefore dost thou want this respite?
JOHN
I have sent out messengers and await their return.
HEROD
To whom hast thou sent these messengers?... Thou art silent.... As I said before. I am from my heart sorry. So much might have been made of thee.... Still ... [_He shrugs his shoulders._]
JOHN
[_Holding out his arms distressed._] I beseech thee, Sire!
VITELLIUS
Did not I tell you? All kinds of people struggle to live, only the Roman understands how to die.
HEROD
Thou must ask the maiden, Baptist. Know that in her hands rests what chance thou hast of the thing called life.
SALOME
Master, now see"st thou how powerful I am? Now ask me! Ask me!
HERODIAS
[_Prompting her, behind._] If he does ask, laugh at him.
SALOME
Perhaps, but who knoweth what my heart desireth?... Now, master, why dost thou not beg?
JOHN
Maiden ... I ...
SALOME
There is the stone floor, see! The stone longs for the touch of thy knees.
[_Pause._]
SCENE VII
_The same. The Gaoler._
HEROD
What brings thee here?
GAOLER
Forgive, Sire. Had I not known that thou wast friendly towards the prisoner ...
HEROD
What dost thou want with him?
GAOLER
Two of his friends who were with him yesterday, the same thou sawest outside the gate, have come back, and learning that his life is now in jeopardy--thy servant hath told me, and I have got everything ready--they became like creatures possessed, and implored me to lead them to him wheresoever he might be.
HEROD
Dost thou approve, Mighty Legate?
VITELLIUS