So,
therefore, to calm a tempest, the adroit king had sent his eighth wife
to live by the sea.
It was a day near the nones of October, when the tribune went to
Caesarea with Manius. There in a great palace, erected by the king,
they met the two renowned women. It was a fete day and the gay people
of Herod's court were in attendance. Salome was dancing, tabret in
hand, her form showing through a robe of transparent silk as the two
entered. Once before, at the door of the king, Vergilius had seen her.
"See the taper of arm and leg," said he, addressing his companion, "She
is wonderful!"
A lithe and beautiful creature, she swayed and bent, with arms
extended, her feet, now slow as the pinions of a sailing hawk, now
swift as the wings of a tilting sparrow. She stopped suddenly, her
form proudly erect, looking at her lover. Now she had the dignity of a
wild deer in the barrens. With one hand she felt her jewelled hair,
with the other she beckoned to him. The young men approached her.
"Children of Aeneas, I give you welcome," said she.
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