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.