Salomé, Salomé, dance for me. I pray thee 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. I cannot tell what they mean .... I am sad to-night. Therefore dance for me. Dance for me, Salomé, I beseech you. If you dance for me you may ask of me what you will, and I will give it you, even unto the half of my kingdom.

Summary

In this quote from Oscar Wilde's play "Salomé," King Herod asks Salomé to dance for him as he is feeling deeply sorrowful and senses an ominous presence. He hints at foreboding events, such as slipping in blood and hearing the beating of giant wings. By asking Salomé to dance, he seeks distraction and entertainment from his sadness. He offers her a generous reward, even half of his kingdom, in exchange for her dance, displaying his desperation for solace. The quote conveys the complex emotions of the characters and foreshadows the tragic events that unfold in the play.

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