SCENE 6

THE SAME. SALOME. _Afterwards_, SOEMUS.

MARIAMNE (_to_ SALOME).

Salome, you? Be welcome Above all others, ’spite your mourning-garments. This I could scarce have hoped.

SALOME.

Indeed I must If I will learn how matters stand. I have been Invited to a feast, and yet they say No word of why the feast is being given. True, I can guess it, but I must have knowledge. Herod returns, of course, and we shall see him This very day. The candles answer “yes,” The music’s merry din; do you too say it! I ask not for my own sake, but you know-- Nay, nay, you know it not, you have forgotten, Perhaps you’ve had a dream that she is buried, Else had you not concealed from her the news. Ah but your dream was tricksy, for she sits Ever in the old corner where she sat When once she blessed you----

MAR.

What is this you say?

SALOME.

Enough, enough! Herod still has a mother Who trembles for her son and pines away. And I, I beg you, let her criminal misdeed In bearing me prolong no more its penance; Give the relief for which her old heart yearns.

MAR.

To mother of his I cannot give relief.

SALOME.

Are you not then to-day expecting Herod?

MAR.

Him least of all. I heard that he is dead.

SALOME.

And celebrate this feast?

MAR.

Since I’m still living! And should not one be glad that one still lives?

SALOME.

I’ll not believe you!

MAR.

For this doubt much thanks!

SALOME.

The candles----

MAR.

Do they not stand there for light?

SALOME.

The cymbals----

MAR.

Are for ringing--what end else?

SALOME (_pointing to_ MARIAMNE’S _rich attire_).

The precious stones----

MAR.

Of course would suit you better.

SALOME.

All this would indicate----

MAR.

A joyous feast.

SALOME.

And one that on a grave----

MAR.

’Tis possible.

SALOME.

Then, Mariamne, hear my earnest word! I ever hated you, but there was left me A clinging doubt if I were right therein And oft with rue in heart I’ve come anear you To----

MAR.

Give me kisses! Once indeed you did it!

SALOME.

But now I see that you are----

MAR.

Bad enough To let you stand while I depart to join With yonder throng that now begins the dance. Soemus!

[SOEMUS _advances and gives_ MARIAMNE _his arm_.

SOEMUS.

Queen!

MAR.

’Twas just in this attire, Ay just, that Herod saw me when he gave The bloody order to you. Wonderful! It all has happened, yes, in just this fashion. (_As she leaves, to_ SALOME.) But you’ll look on?

[_Is led by_ SOEMUS _to the background, where both are now no longer seen_.

SALOME.

This woman’s still more wicked Than I had ever thought, and that says much! Therefore she has the gay-hued serpent-skin With which she lures each victim--yes, she dances! Then now at least I have a peaceful conscience; On her no soul on earth could work a wrong.

[_She watches_ MARIAMNE. _Enter_ ALEXANDRA _and_ TITUS.