John the Baptist: A Play Part 45

HEROD

Welcome to my table, exalted Vitellius, who bringest on the soles of thy feet the sacred soil of Rome into my poor dwelling. Welcome to you also, ye who follow him, according to Rome's command. She, our august mother, but ordereth what my soul desireth.

VITELLIUS

Thou hast my thanks, excellent prince.

HEROD

Repose now at thy pleasure, exalted one. [_They lie on the couches._]

GABALOS

[_Low._] Say, my brave Marcellus, how dost thou like this Jewish ear-wig?

MARCELLUS

It doth not find its way to our ears.

HEROD

And if thou wilt consent to crown thy brow with this wreath, as our Lord and Master, I shall be able to persuade myself that I am thy guest, instead of thou being mine.

VITELLIUS

Thou art _Rome's_ guest, Highness. Thus I will accept what befitteth me. [_Puts on the wreath which a servant hands to him._]

GABALOS

There was a sting in that speech.

HEROD

[_Quickly collecting himself._] My good Merokles, begin.

MEROKLES

[_Stands up and reads from a roll of parchment._]

"Cooled by Hebron's far-gleaming snow, The fiery soul, concealed in ice, Favours with its flickering smile Us the worshippers.

"So thou sendest forth twofold beams of silent light, So flames for us shoot forth from thy coldness, So we prize as sacred thy flickering smile, mighty Vitellius-- Till we----"

VITELLIUS

My dear friend, what is this man talking about?

HEROD

Doth it displease thee, Exalted One?

VITELLIUS

It seemed to me that he called my name. In the case of his desiring a favour, it shall be immediately granted if he promises to keep silent for the future!

GABALOS

Oh, friends, what a success!

VITELLIUS

Nevertheless, thy peac.o.c.k's liver is good, very good, my dear Herod.

HEROD

Thou rejoicest me, Exalted Highness. Wilt thou not now command thy Libyan flute-players to come and charm thy ear?

VITELLIUS

My ear is obedient. Let them come.

SCENE V

[_The same. Salome_ (_thickly veiled_) _led in by Herodias while the harps are tuned. A murmur of astonishment runs round the table._]

VITELLIUS

Are these thy Libyan----

HEROD

[_Who has risen._] This is my wife, Exalted Highness.

VITELLIUS

[_Also rising._] Mistress, if thou wouldst grace this feast with thy smiles, I bid thee welcome.

HERODIAS

Pardon, n.o.ble Vitellius. The custom of the East, over which thou reignest so gloriously, doth not permit of my sitting beside thee at table. Yet we know how to entertain even when we are not merry. My lord and consort, zealous to please thee, hath commanded me to adorn myself and my little daughter to enter thy presence, therewith she may delight thy eyes with her maidenly art, trembling in maidenly modesty.

VITELLIUS

Hail to thee, Prince, and to thy n.o.ble wife! Rome will not be grudging where thou art so lavish. Hearest thou not?

HEROD