Such are these.
HEROD.
Knowest thou John the Baptist?
MANAHEM.
Yea, I know him; Who knows him not?
HEROD.
Know, then, this John the Baptist Said that it was not lawful I should marry My brother Philip's wife, and John the Baptist Is here in prison.

In my father's time Matthias Margaloth was put to death For tearing the golden eagle from its station Above the Temple Gate,--a slighter crime Than John is guilty of.

These things are warnings To intermeddlers not to play with eagles, Living or dead.

I think the Essenians Are wiser, or more wary, are they not?
MANAHEM.
The Essenians do not marry.
HEROD.
Thou hast given My words a meaning foreign to my thought.
MANAHEM.
Let me go hence, O King! HEROD.
Stay yet awhile, And see the daughter of Herodias dance.
Cleopatra of Jerusalem, my mother, In her best days, was not more beautiful.
Music.

THE DAUGHTER OP HERODIAS dances.
HEROD.
Oh, what was Miriam dancing with her timbrel, Compared to this one?
MANAHEM, aside.
O thou Angel of Death, Dancing at funerals among the women, When men bear out the dead! The air is hot And stifles me! Oh for a breath of air! Bid me depart, O King! HEROD.
Not yet.