SCENE I

_Gaoler, Abi._

ABI

[_With head thrust over the garden wall._] Master Gaoler, dost thou not hear?

GAOLER

What wilt thou?

ABI

A ball went over the wall. Hast thou seen it?

GAOLER

No.

ABI

Please look for it, and throw it back.

GAOLER

Look for it thyself.

ABI

How can I, unless thou openest the gate.

GAOLER

I may not open it. Let me be.

ABI

Listen, Gaoler. The ball belongs to Salome, our young Princess. If thou art not obliging, beware!

GAOLER

Oh, if it belongs to the young Princess----[_Opens the gate._]