Herod, the Tetrarch of Judea, desperately pleads with his stepdaughter Salomé to dance for him, ignoring the protests of his wife Herodias. In his feverish state, he promises Salomé anything she desires, up to half of his kingdom, eventually swearing a sacred oath that seals a grim fate.
HEROD: Salomé, Salomé, dance for me. I pray you dance for me. I am sad to-night. Yes. I am passing sad to-night. When I came hither I slipped in blood, which is an evil omen; and I heard, I am sure I heard in the air a beating of wings, a beating of giant wings.
SALOMÉ: Will you indeed give me whats
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