’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. SCENE 7 SALOME. ALEXANDRA. TITUS. _Afterwards_, MARIAMNE. ALEX. Titus, you notice how my daughter’s mourning. TITUS. ’Twould seem she has some new despatch from Herod. ALEX. Despatch that all is over with him, yes! TITUS (_watching_ MARIAMNE). She dances! ALEX. Less like widow than like bride! Titus, until to-day she’s worn a mask, And mark you this, not she alone has done’t. TITUS. Well for her! She’ll not change from what she is, For if she ranks her with the foes of Herod She will not share the pangs his friends must suffer. ALEX. And to prove that she gives, you see, this feast. [_Moves away from_ TITUS. TITUS. Oh what a shudder takes me at these women! One, plotting at a hero, whom she first With hoodwink-kisses lulled to lying peace, Hews off his head in sleep; the other dances, Merely to keep firm hands upon the crown, Like one possessed upon her husband’s grave. And sure I was invited this to see. [_Watches_ MARIAMNE _again_. Yes, yes, I see’t. In Rome she’ll have my witness! But here I drink no single drop of wine. SALOME. What say you, Titus? Stands it with the King In such ill plight that she may now dare all? TITUS. If he’s not straightway given Octavian His turncoat loyalty and helped to deal The home-thrust ere his fall at Antony, And that I must misdoubt, it stands not well. SALOME. Oh, if he had but done it! If her head Be kept to her, I know not why the Lord Gave o’er the blood of hot-eyed Jezebel For dogs to lick. [_She is lost among the others._ TITUS.