SALOMÉ
[Rising].
The head of Jokanaan.
HERODIAS
Ah! that is well said, my daughter.
HEROD
No, no!
HERODIAS
That is well said, my daughter.
HEROD
No, no, Salomé. It is not that thou desirest. Do not listen to thy mother's voice. She is ever giving thee evil counsel. Do not heed her.
SALOMÉ
It is not my mother's voice that I heed. It is for mine own pleasure that I ask the head of Jokanaan in a silver charger. You have sworn an oath, Herod. Forget not that you have sworn an oath.
HEROD
I know it. I have sworn an oath by my gods. I know it well. But I pray thee, Salomé, ask of me something else. Ask of me the half of my kingdom, and I will give it thee. But ask not of me what thy lips have asked.
SALOMÉ
I ask of you the head of Jokanaan.
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