Summary

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As the drama of Salome unfolds, the scene is set upon a majestic terrace belonging to Herod's palace. Gathered there, under the gentle glow of moonlight, are the Young Syrian, the Page of Herodias, the Cappadocian, the Nubian, and a group of soldiers. In the shadows of this moonlit night, a large cistern stands ominously at the backdrop, imprisoning the prophet Jokanaan. The Young Syrian, entranced by Salome's beauty, cannot help but speak of her allure. However, the Page warns him of the danger in gazing too intently at Salome, hinting at impending doom.

Their conversation drifts to the moon, each seeing it through different eyes: the Page perceives a lifeless woman, while the Syrian imagines a dancing princess. Meanwhile, the Cappadocian, the Nubian, and the soldiers are embroiled in a debate about the divine. The first soldier mentions the Hebrews’ unseen God, a concept that baffles the Cappadocian, who laments the absence of gods in his homeland. Echoing from the cistern, Jokanaan's voice proclaims the coming of Christ, sparking a debate over the nature of his prophecies—are they sacred truths or mere folly?

Salome enters, breathless and eager to leave the banqueting hall where Herod and Herodias hold court. To her, the moon is a symbol of purity—"She has never defiled herself." Captivated by Jokanaan's voice, Salome insists on speaking with him, demanding his release from the cistern. Though initially resisted, the Syrian, unable to resist the princess's charm, acquiesces to her request. Jokanaan emerges, railing against Herodias, Salome’s mother, with fervent disdain.

Salome, entranced by the prophet, praises his body, only to be met with scorn as he calls her the Daughter of Babylon and bids her be silent. Undeterred, she admires his hair’s wild beauty and longs for his lips, repeating her desire with an unwavering "I will kiss thy mouth." The Syrian, desperate to deter her, pleads in vain before succumbing to his despair and ending his life between them. Jokanaan, admonishing Salome to seek the Son of Man, retreats into the cistern as she remains steadfast in her desire, branded accursed by the prophet.

Herod, Herodias, and their court arrive, with Herod slipping in the Syrian’s blood. Upon learning of the Syrian's fate, Herod expresses regret, attributing it to the Syrian's infatuation with Salome. Herodias accuses Herod of the same, as Jokanaan’s voice rises once more with prophecy. Herodias demands silence, claiming the prophet's words are insults, while Herod considers Jokanaan a holy man who has witnessed God. When Jokanaan heralds the Saviour's arrival, Herod mistakenly thinks of Caesar, but two Nazarenes clarify, speaking of the Messiah who performs miracles. Herod, dismissive of the miraculous tales, insists the man must be stopped from resurrecting the dead.

As Jokanaan’s condemnations of Herodias continue, she beseeches Herod to silence the prophet. Yet Herod attributes Jokanaan’s venom to his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s widow. The prophet warns of a dreadful day when the moon shall turn to blood. Herod, intrigued, entices Salome to dance, promising anything she desires, even half his kingdom. Despite Herodias's protests, Salome agrees, and as she dances, the moon takes on a crimson hue, fulfilling Jokanaan’s grim foretelling.

Ignoring her mother’s pleas, Salome performs her dance for Herod. When the dance concludes, Herod eagerly asks what she desires as her prize. Salome’s chilling demand is the head of Jokanaan.

Herodias delights in her daughter’s choice, while Herod is paralyzed by fear. He implores Salome to choose differently, offering treasures—his precious emerald, fifty peacocks—but she remains resolute. Herod, warning of the catastrophe that will follow the death of a man of God, reluctantly concedes....

(This entire section contains 713 words.)

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Removing the ring of death from his finger, he sends it to the executioner, who descends into the cistern.

Listening intently, Salome awaits the silent end of Jokanaan. Soon, the executioner emerges, bearing the prophet's head on a gleaming silver shield. Salome seizes it, declaring her intent to kiss Jokanaan’s mouth, to savor it "like a ripe fruit." Herod, horrified by her act, orders the lights extinguished and begins his ascent, as Salome revels in her dark triumph. Herod turns, ordering "Kill that woman!" and the soldiers swiftly obey, bringing Salome’s story to a brutal end.

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