SALOMÉ I am ready, Tetrarch. [Salomé dances the dance of the seven veils.] HEROD Ah! wonderful! wonderful! You see that she has danced for me, your daughter. Come near, Salomé, come near, that I may give you your reward. Ah! I pay the dancers well. I will pay thee royally. I will give thee whatsoever thy soul desireth. What wouldst thou have? Speak. SALOMÉ [Kneeling]. I would that they presently bring me in a silver charger.... HEROD [Laughing.] In a silver charger? Surely yes, in a silver charger. She is charming, is she not? What is it you would have in a silver charger, O sweet and fair Salomé, you who are fairer than all the daughters of Judæa? What would you have them bring thee in a silver charger? Tell me. Whatsoever it may be, they shall give it you. My treasures belong to thee. What is it, Salomé? SALOMÉ [Rising]. The head of Jokanaan. HERODIAS Ah! that is well said, my daughter. HEROD No, no! HERODIAS That is well said, my daughter.
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