HANKIN (_aside_). Excuse my interrupting, but I want you to be particularly nice to the Princess Salome. You know she was jilted by the Censor. She has brought her music. THE DEVIL. You might introduce her to Mrs. Warren. But I am afraid the Princess has taken rather too much upon herself this evening. THE STATUE. Yes, she has taken too much; I am sure she has taken too much. A JOURNALIST. Is that the Princess Salome who has Mexican opals in her teeth, and red eyebrows and green hair, and curious rock-crystal breasts? THE DEVIL. Yes, that is the Princess Salome. SHANNON. I know the Princess quite well. Ricketts makes her frocks. Shall I ask her to dance? THE DEVIL. Yes, anything to distract her attention from the guests. These artistic English people are so easily shocked. They don't understand Strauss, nor indeed anything until it is quite out of date. I want to make Hell at least as attractive as it is painted; a _place_ as well as a _condition_ within the meaning of the Act. Full of wit, beauty, pleasure, freedom-- THE STATUE. Ugh--ugh. SHANNON. Will you dance for us, Princess? SALOME. Anything for you, dear Mr. Shannon, only my ankles are a little sore to-night. How is dear Ricketts? I want new dresses so badly. SHANNON. I suppose by this time he is in Heaven. But won't you dance just to make things go? And then the Commander will lecture on super- maniacs later on! SALOME. Senor Diavolo, what will you give me if I dance to-night? THE DEVIL. Anything you like, Salome. I swear by the dramatic critics. HANKIN (_correcting_). You mean the Styx. THE DEVIL. Same thing. Dance without any further nonsense, Salome. Forget that you are in England. This is an unlicensed house. [SALOME _dances the dance of the Seven Censors_. THE DEVIL (_applauding_). She is charming. She is quite charming. Salome, what shall I do for you? You who are like a purple patch in some one else's prose. You who are like a black patch on some one else's face. You are like an Imperialist in a Radical Cabinet. You are like a Tariff Reformer in a Liberal-Unionist Administration. You are like the Rokeby Velasquez in St. Paul's Cathedral. What can I do for you who are fairer than-- SALOME. This sort of thing has been tried on me before. Let us come to business. I want Mr. Redford's head on a four-wheel cab. THE DEVIL. No, not that. You must not ask that. I will give you Walkley's head. He has one of the best heads. He is not ignorant. He really knows what he is talking about. SALOME. I want Mr. Redford's head on a four-wheel cab. THE DEVIL. Salome, listen to me. Be reasonable. Do not interrupt me. I will give you William Archer's head. He is charming--a cultivated, liberal-minded critic. He is too liberal. He admires Stephen Phillips. I will give you his dear head if you release me from my oath. SALOME. I want Mr. Redford's head on the top of a four-wheel cab. Remember your oath!