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SALOMÉ
Who is Elias?
SECOND SOLDIER
A prophet of this country in bygone days, Princess.
THE SLAVE
What answer may I give the Tetrarch from the Princess?
THE VOICE OF JOKANAAN
Rejoice not O land of Palestine, because the rod of him who smote thee is broken. For from the seed of the serpent shall come a basilisk, and that which is born of it shall devour the birds.
SALOMÉ
What a strange voice! I would speak with him.
FIRST SOLDIER
I fear it may not be, Princess. The Tetrarch does not suffer any one to speak with him. He has even forbidden the high priest to speak with him.
SALOMÉ
I desire to speak with him.
FIRST SOLDIER
It is impossible, Princess.
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