[_Who is standing in the foremost row. Turns with a shrill cry._] Woe! woe! [_Takes fight._] [_Jorab follows him. The people retreat with a subdued exclamation of fear. John alone stands his ground, his head held high, and measures Herod with his glance._] SALOME [_Raising her veil._] Mother, look at that man. It is the same who stood in the market-place and at the gates and everywhere where we have passed. HEROD And everywhere caused dissension. SALOME Look! His eyes flash fire! Mother, look! HEROD Come along, ye women. And if the pious citizens of Jerusalem have unlearnt the way to welcome with rejoicing the representative of the great race of Herod [_with a glance at the Captain of the Guard_], Rome, I hope, will teach it to them again. [_The Captain shrugs his shoulders with a slight smile._] HEROD Come, I pray. [_Herod, Herodias, Salome, go with their train into the Palace; the common soldiers into the guard-room._] SCENE XII _Johannes, Josaphat, Matthias, Manassa, Hachmoni, Pasur, the people._ HACHMONI [_At the head of a group, pressing forward_] Pardon us, great prophet. The Pharisees have fled like cowards. But, see, we cling to thee. So now help us. THE PEOPLE Help us! JOHN [_As if in a dream._] Tell me, whither hath the man from Galilee gone? MANASSA Rabbi, we know not. JOHN Then seek him. Bring him to me. MANASSA Yes, Rabbi. ALL THE PEOPLE Tarry with us, great prophet. Help us! We flee to thee. JOHN [_Pondering in uncertainty._] Matthias, Josaphat, did he not say Love? [_The curtain falls_]. SECOND ACT SECOND ACT _Hall in Roman style of architecture in Herod 's Palace--On the right side, a balcony upheld by pillars, which extends the whole depth of the stage, and to which a fight of steps leads--Off the balcony a door opens into Salome's room--Underneath, on the ground floor, another door--In the centre of the background is the chief entrance--On the left, a window--Near it a couch and other furniture--To the right, between the pillars of the balcony, is a divan--Carpets and tiger-skins on the floor--A mixture of Roman and Oriental luxury._ SCENE I _Maecha, Miriam, Abi_ [_on the balcony_]. _After them, Salome._ THE DAMSELS [_Stepping cautiously and listening._] SALOME [_Through the door._] Is it safe? No one there? MAECHA Not a sound of anyone. SALOME Then, come! [_They skip down the stairs._] SALOME Ah, here it is light, and one can see oneself reflected in the walls. Do you know why we have been suddenly mewed up in the apartments above? Yesterday we were allowed to wander as we listed through all the passages, to dance unveiled in the gardens, and peep through the railings and mock the passers-by. But to-day, since my uncle came, we have had to sit moping in sackcloth and ashes. Why? Do none of you know why? MAECHA