Page:Salomé- a tragedy in one act.djvu/34

 SALOMÉ

I will speak with him.

THE YOUNG SYRIAN

Would it not be better to return to the banquet?

SALOMÉ

Bring forth this prophet.

[Exit the slave.]

FIRST SOLDIER

We dare not, Princess.

SALOMÉ

[Approaching the cistern and looking down into it.] How black it is, down there! It must be terrible to be in so black a hole! It is like a tomb. . . . . [To the soldiers.] Did you not hear me? Bring out the prophet. I would look on him.

SECOND SOLDIER

Princess, I beg you do not require this of us.

SALOMÉ

You are making me wait upon your pleasure.

FIRST SOLDIER

Princess, our lives belong to you, but we cannot do what you have asked of us. And indeed, it is not of us that you should ask this thing.