SALOME.  Senor Diavolo, what will you give me if I dance to-night?

THE DEVIL.  Anything you like, Salome.  I swear by the dramatic critics.

HANKIN (correcting).  You mean the Styx.

THE DEVIL.  Same thing.  Dance without any further nonsense, Salome. 
Forget that you are in England.  This is an unlicensed house.

[SALOME dances the dance of the Seven Censors.

THE DEVIL (applauding).  She is charming.  She is quite charming.  Salome, what shall I do for you?  You who are like a purple patch in some one else’s prose.  You who are like a black patch on some one else’s face.  You are like an Imperialist in a Radical Cabinet.  You are like a Tariff Reformer in a Liberal-Unionist Administration.  You are like the Rokeby Velasquez in St. Paul’s Cathedral.  What can I do for you who are fairer than—­

SALOME.  This sort of thing has been tried on me before.  Let us come to business.  I want Mr. Redford’s head on a four-wheel cab.

THE DEVIL.  No, not that.  You must not ask that.  I will give you Walkley’s head.  He has one of the best heads.  He is not ignorant.  He really knows what he is talking about.

SALOME.  I want Mr. Redford’s head on a four-wheel cab.

THE DEVIL.  Salome, listen to me.  Be reasonable.  Do not interrupt me.  I will give you William Archer’s head.  He is charming—­a cultivated, liberal-minded critic.  He is too liberal.  He admires Stephen Phillips.  I will give you his dear head if you release me from my oath.

SALOME.  I want Mr. Redford’s head on the top of a four-wheel cab.  Remember your oath!

THE DEVIL.  I remember I swore at—­I mean by—­the dramatic critics.  Well, I am offering them to you.  Exquisite and darling Salome, I will give you the head of Max Beerbohm.  It is unusually large, but it is full of good things.  What a charming ornament for your mantelpiece!  You will be in the movement.  How every one will envy you!  People will call upon you who never used to call.  Others will send you invitations.  You will at last get into English society.

SALOME.  I want Mr. Redford’s head on the top of a four-wheel cab.

THE DEVIL.  Salome, come hither.  Have you ever looked at the Daily Mirror?  Only in the Daily Mirror should one look.  For it tells the truth sometimes.  Well, I will give you the head of Hamilton Fyfe.  He is my best friend.  No critic is so fond of the drama as Hamilton Fyfe. (Huskily.) Salome, I will give you W. L. Courtney’s head.  I will give you all their heads.

SALOME.  I have the scalps of most critics.  I want Mr. Redford’s head on a four-wheel cab.