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SALOMÉ
I will speak with him.
THE YOUNG SYRIAN
Would it not be better to return to the banquet?
SALOMÉ
Bring forth this prophet.
[Exit the slave.]
FIRST SOLDIER
We dare not, Princess.
SALOMÉ
[Approaching the cistern and looking down into it.]
How black it is, down there! It must be terrible to be in so black a hole! It is like a tomb. . . . . [To the soldiers.] Did you not hear me? Bring out the prophet. I would look on him.
SECOND SOLDIER
Princess, I beg you do not require this of us.
SALOMÉ
You are making me wait upon your pleasure.
FIRST SOLDIER
Princess, our lives belong to you, but we cannot do what you have asked of us. And indeed, it is not of us that you should ask this thing.
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