SALOMÉ
I will not dance, Tetrarch.
HERODIAS
[Laughing].
You see how she obeys you.
HEROD
What is it to me whether she dance or not? It is naught to me. To-night I am happy, I am exceeding happy. Never have I been so happy.
FIRST SOLDIER
The Tetrarch has a sombre look. Has he not a sombre look?
SECOND SOLDIER
Yes, he has a sombre look.
HEROD
Wherefore should I not be happy? Cæsar, who is lord of the world, Cæsar, who is lord of all things, loves me well. He has just sent me most precious gifts. Also he has promised me to summon to Rome the King of Cappadocia, who is my enemy. It may be that at Rome he will crucify him, for he is able to do all things that he has a mind to. Verily, Cæsar is lord. Therefore I do well to be happy. There is nothing in the world that can mar my happiness.
56
