HERODIAS Command him to be silent. THE VOICE OF JOKANAAN Let the war captains pierce her with their swords, let them crush her beneath their shields. HERODIAS Nay, but it is infamous. THE VOICE OF JOKANAAN It is thus that I will wipe out all wickedness from the earth, and that all women shall learn not to imitate her abominations. HERODIAS You hear what he says against me? You allow him to revile your wife? HEROD He did not speak your name. HERODIAS What does that matter? You know well that it is I whom he seeks to revile. And I am your wife, am I not? HEROD Of a truth, dear and noble Herodias, you are my wife, and before that you were the wife of my brother. HERODIAS It was you who tore me from his arms. HEROD Of a truth I was stronger.... But let us not talk of that matter. I do not desire to talk of it. It is the cause of the terrible words that the prophet has spoken. Peradventure on account of it a misfortune will come. Let us not speak of this matter. Noble Herodias, we are not mindful of our guests. Fill thou my cup, my well-beloved. Fill with wine
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