LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©i^ap. ©ojt^rig^t l|n. — .r Shelf -V.-..-M f" UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. HEROD AND MARIAMNE, A TRAGEDY. BY IX AMELIE RIYES, C^N>. riA OF VIRGINIA," AUTHOR OF "THE QUICK OR THE DEAD?" "VIRGINIA OF VIRGINIA ETC., ETC. I H ?ir TLA DELPHI A: J. 15. [.IIMMNCXVIT COMPANY. \^^ TO MY HUSBAND. Copyright, 1888, by J. B. Lippincott Company. J LIPPINCOTT'S ]y[ONTHLY ]y[AGAZINE. SEPTEMBER, 1 8 8 ». HEROD AND MARIAMNE. ACT I, SCENE I.— ^ hall in Herod's palace. Unter Joseph and Sohemus, Joseph. It hath come, good Sohemus. 'T hath come. Sohemus, What, brother ? Jos. The king is summoned by Antonius Unto Laodicea concerning Soh. Well? Jos. Lower, I pray you — why, concerning, sir. The death of Aristobulus. Soh. Heaven save us I What saith the queen ? Jos. Which queen, my Sohemus? There are so many queens in Herod's palace, We needs must name them when we speak of them. By Moses' beard ! the wild bees have more wisdom : They have one queen, where Herod houses four. There is his mother Cypros, and his sister My wife Salome : they do hate most violently His consort Mariamne, and her mother, The old king's daughter, Alexandra. Soh. Nay, All this I know by demonstration, sir. "^Pho information that I (;rave coiuvrns (^ueen Mariainnc. Doth sIjo think her brotlicr To have been nuirdcrod ? Jos. 'IMuMo, sir, lies the matter. She doth not think so, while her mother doth. au'i 306 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. They have been wrangling o'er it all the morning, And wrangle yet. My wife and Cypros sulk Within their own apartments ; and the king Is closeted with Antony's messenger. 8oh, Where is Hyrcanus ? Jos. Sleeping, sir, I think. The kind old king hath but that refuge now When the queens quarrel. Soh. A most fitting refuge ! For when queens quarrel kings are kings in vain. Soft, friend ! is that not Mariamne's voice ? Jos. It is, — and Alexandra's. Let us go, Ere we be dragged into their mad dispute. [Exeurd, Enter Mariamne and Alexandra. Alex. Art thou my daughter ? Mar, If thou dost tell truth. Alex. Insolence ! Wilt thou mock me ? God of Moses ! Almost I think that I unknowing lie And that thou art a changeling ! Sure no blood Of mine makes blue those traitorous veins o' thine ! To call him brother, and yet love the king Who murdered him ! Mar. Madam, I will not think it. Alex. Not think it ? Will not think it I Mar. No, madam. Nor hear it said. Therefore be silent. Alex. Silent ! This unto me, thy mother ? Silent ? Oh, Would I were tongued like nature ! thou shouldst hear A hundred thousand voices utter, " Murder !" Why, I do tell thee I have knowledge of it From ten reliable sources. It was planned — Ay, planned from first to last. And he, thy brother, So young, so fair, that even thou didst show Old and uncomely by his side I Mar. Good mother. None loved my brother more than I did love, And love him : therefore go I quietly. Thinking how did lie live he would prefer That we should mourn him, not with cries and curses, But in the stillness of our hearts with prayer. Alex. Prayers for his murderer ? Oh, 'tis well I 'tis well ! Thou art so eaten with unnatural love For this thy kingly sinner, that thy heart Hath no unoccupied cranny where might lodge Love natural for him whom he hath murdered. Mar. I will not hear that word again. Alex. Not hear it ? Canst command deafness, that thou wilt not hear it ? HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 307 I say that Herod hath thy brother murdered, — Murdered ! Ay, murdered ! murdered I Dost thou hear ? Or, being queen, canst thou command thy ears That they drink not unwelcome sounds ? Mar. No, madam ; But I can twenty hands command to take thee Where thy voice cannot reach my ears. Alex, A.Y, do it ! Do it, I say ! 'Twere well that Herod's wife Took Herod's way ; 'twere well Hyrcanus' daughter Should be o'er-daughtered in Hyrcanus' palace ; 'Twere well the blood of Aristobulus Should not cry out, lest Herod seeking sleep Should be disturbed. O God of Israel, God of the widowed and the childless, hear ! To Thee I turn, to Thee shall mount my grief ; Thine ears shall drink this murder, and Thine arm Destroy the murderer. Mar. Madam, have done. Alex. Have done ! Have done, didst say ? When hell is finished, Packed full, and the gates locked against new-comers, I will have done. — O Aristobulus, This was thy sister, and is wife to him Who had thee murdered. Mar. Mother, be advised. My duty as thy daughter hath a limit. Alex. Thy duty unto Herod hath no limit. What I wilt thou take his hand, lie by his side. Be mother of his children, and the blood Of the high-priest thy brother red between ye ? I tell thee, woman, thou wilt know my pangs When thou hast brought forth sons for him to slay I Mar. Mother, here comes the king ! 'Twere best indeed He did not hear thee. Alex. Ay, now it were best ; But there will come a time, I tell you, girl. He'll curse the day that he was born with cars ! Mar. In truth, you'd best be silent. Alex. I will go ; Fear not but tliat I'll go. God blast these eyes If ever they arc willing witnesses Unto thy dalliance with Herod I [Exit Mar. Nay, God knows I loved my brother, and do mourn him With a sore heart ; but when my mother tJnis Doth lay his death upon the king my husband. She doth divide my ])ity with her hate, And makes my grief half Herod's. Ay, by liciivcn I Though he be rash, hot-natunMl, mad in wrath, 308 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. And prone to take occasion by the throat, He is as little capable of murder As this my heart of killing the great love That I do bear him. Ah, he comes, and anger Hot at his heels ! Enter Hebod. Herod. [Not seeing Mariamne.] Herod commanded by a Roman turn-coat ! Antony summon Herod ! Antony, — The by-word of all nations, the last toy Of an Egyptian wanton ! Who that reads In future ages will believe it ? Oh That Antony had summoned me in person ! The Egyptian harlot had been loverless In less time than she takes to make a kiss. — Ah, Mariamne ! Mar. Shall I stay, my lord ? Her. Hath Herod ever bid thee from him ? Mar. No. But I can well imagine that this summons Hath left thee with a love of loneliness. Her. Come close. Give me thine eyes. Dost think with Antony Concerning this affair ? Mar. With Antony ? Her. Ay, — ^that thy brother's blood is on my hands. Thou dost not think it ? • * Mar. As I live, my lord, If I do think it, let me live no longer. Her. Then I care not who thinks it. Mariamne, I am not Herod when I am with thee. Mar. What then, my lord ? Her. Why, Mariamne's lover. I am no longer king, no longer soldier. No longer conqueror, unless in truth I rule thy heart. Mar. Thou knowest that my heart Is but thy throne. Her. Let me be king of thee. And God is welcome to the sway of heaven. Mar. Do not blaspheme. Her. Away ! thy veins run milk And make thy heart a baby. Not blaspheme ! Love cannot utter blasphemy, for Love Is his own god and king of his own heaven. Well, dost thou love me ? Mar. Thou dost know I do. Her. Thou dost not ! Thou dost make a pet of Duty, And fatten him on what should be my food. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 309 Love me ? Not thou ! Thou lovest the cold peace That^s child of frozen virtue. I have fire To melt the Sphinx, but not to warm the blood Of one chaste woman. Mar. Chaste I am, my lord. Yet for that chasteness do but better love thee. Her. I tell thee no ! Thou dost but use the word To play with, as a child its father's sword. Thou hast ne'er seen it scarlet with joy's death. Or smoking with the heart's blood of a thought. What ! thou lie 'wake o' nights ? Thou scorch thy brain With bootless wishing ? Thou eat pictured lips ? Thou feed regret with memory, and then rage Because he is not satisfied ? Thou love ? Nay, girl, the sun will set the sea afire Ere thy cool heart be set aflame with love. Moreover, look you, sooner shall the waves Of that same ocean cool the thirsty sun Than thy pale humor make me moderate. Mar. I would not have thee love me less. Her. Thou wouldst not ? Why dost thou shrink, then ? Look how thou dost pale And redden when I touch thee. Come, thine eyes. Thine arms, thy lips, still shrinking ? Israel's God ! Shall Herod coax his lawful wife for favors ? I say thou dost not love me, yea, moreover. That thou dost lie when thou wouldst have me think Thou dost not blame me for thy brother's death. I know thou thinkest that I had him slain. Mar. I do not think it, Herod. Dost thou think I would be here if I believed it ? Her. Where, Where wouldst thou be, then ? Not here, say'st thou ? Where then ? Speak, woman ! where ? Mar. Why, dead, maybe ; But not with thee. Her. Thou liest I Didst thou die, I'd have thy body brought into my chamber And make my bed thy sepulchre. Mar. Ay, Herod, My body, but not me. Nay, my dear lortl, Why waste such moments as are left in strife And harsh dissension ? Soon thou wilt be gone, And Mariarnne bnt a recollocition. Why dost thou doubt me? Why shonld I not love thee, Who art the chief of men and lovers? Nay, If, as thou sayest, I shrink, it is bccanse My love doth fear the violonco of thy love. Not I thyself, — not Marianinc Ilcnul. Hei'. liove is not blind, jus the(ireeks fable it, 310 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. For he doth look from these fair eyes o' thine, Else am I Pleasure's bondman. Mar, Nay, not so. Thou'rt husband to the truest wife in Jewry. Her. And the least loving. Mar. Wilt thou wrong me still ? I know not how to dress out love in words. I can but tell thee o'er and o'er again The naked fact, I love thee. Her. Would to heaven I knew what loving means to thee ! Mar. I'll tell thee : It means to put myself beyond myself, To think of him I love in that self's stead, To be sleep's enemy because of him, Because of him to be the friend of pain, To have no thought, no wish, no dream, no memory, That is not servant to him ; to forget All earlier loves in his, — all hates, all wrongs ; Being meek to him, though proud unto all others ; Gentle to him, though to all others harsh ; To him submissive, though unto high heaven Something rebellious. Last, to keep my patience And bear his doubts, who have his children borne. Her. Enough, enough. Thou most magnificent Of queens and women, I will never doubt thee After to-day. Mar. Alas, my lord, to-morrow — To-morrow'U be to-day. Her. I will not doubt thee So long as I do live. Mar. Oh that thou wouldst not ! Doubt is the shaft wherewith Love wounds himself: Doubt me no more, and be no more unhappy. Hef)\ Alas ! unhappiness doth wait below To ride with me, seeing I must leave thee, love, And that for such a summons ! Jewry's throne ! Antony summon me ? It is as though The dog did whistle for his master. Mar. Ay, It is most insolent. But need'st thou go ? Is it imperative ? Hefr. More than thou knowest. Let us not talk of it. Tell me thou'lt miss me. How wilt thou spend the hours when I am gone? Mar. In wishing for the hour when thou'lt return. Her. God's heart ! how I do love thee ! — Ha ! a step I Cursed be any that doth interrupt us. Though it be mine own mother ! Mar. [Starting away from him.'] 'Tis thy mother. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 311 Love me not in her presence, lest she hate me The more for thy much loving. Enter Cypros. Oy^, Good my son, Thy horses wait for thee. Her, Do thou likewise. Seest thou not that I am occupied ? Oyp. A wife should urge her husband to his duty, — Not keep him from it. Her. Out ! Such musty maxims Affront the air. Leave me. I'll send for thee When I desire thee. Oyp, Madam, wilt thou hear this And say no word ? Her, Think'st thou that Til hear that And say no word ? Depart o' the instant ! Mar, ^^Yi I'll wait below. Thy mother hath some message, — Some special word for thee. I will be there, Fear not, to give thee my last love and blessing. Now let me leave thee, as I love thee. Her, Go, then. Mar, Why dost thou say't so harshly ? Her, If thou lovedst me Thou wouldst not be so ready to be gone. Mar, Doubt'st me again ? Remember what thou saidst A moment past, and to thy word be true. Her, Well, go. I will believe thee. [Exit Mar.] How now, mother? What reason shall make good of this offence To plead thy pardon ? Oyp, Love, my son. Her, What love Can pardon plead for interrupting mine? Thy love, say est thou ? The love of all the mothers Back counted unto Eve, and smelted down In one huge mass, would not so nmch as make My love a weapon. Oj'p, Then I'll say my pride, Which guards thy dignity as 'twere mine own. Her. My dignity ? Oyp, Thy honor and thy dignity. He)\ My dignity? My honor? Quick, give word I What wouldst thou touch ? Oyp. But that which touches tliee. Her. My honor ! By (he throne of God, thy honor Shall not survive this nionienl of thy speaking, If thou hast played with \\n\ Oyp, Nay, gocnl my son, 312 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Think you a woman so infirm as I Would take a lion-whelp for plaything ? Nay, Did I upon my knees approach the throne Of great Jehovah, I were not more serious. Her, What then ? Give word. Who is it ? Hath some one Proved treacherous in the household ? Oyp, Ay, — the one Who should above all else be faithful. Her. What! Joseph ? — my treasurer ? — thy son-in-law ? What hath he done ? Speak, madam : IVe no time To tarry information. Oyp, Nay, not Joseph. Her, Not Joseph ? Then 'tis Sohemus. By heaven ! Trust hath denied herself if -he be false ! Oyp. Neither is Sohemus the guilty one. Her. Who is it, then ? Delay no longer, woman. I'll have it, though it blast me ! Who is it ? . Oyp. Mayhap I had best tell thee the offence Ere naming the offender ? Her. No, I say, I'll hear the name. Who is it ? Oyp. Mariamne. Her. Thou liest ! Dost thou hear? Thou liest ! Stop ! Keep from me. Come not near me. Thou'rt my mother, But tempt me not with nearness, — tempt me not. Dost know what 'tis to anger Herod ? Answer ! What ! Mariamne ? Mariamne false ? How false ? False to my bed ? Were this proved false, I'd have thee burned to warm her bedchamber ! False? Mariamne? How? With whom? How false? Down on thy knees and swear it ! Oyp. I do swear it. But she is false only in thought, not deed. Her. In thought ? In thought ? How canst thou know her thought? This is a lie, and thou shalt die for it. — Without, there ! Oyp. Herod, hear me. Call no witness Unto thy shame. Her. My shame ? Away ! Away ! Oyp. Salome'll prove it. Her. Though great God Himself Came down as witness, I would not believe it I Oyp. My son, if thou wouldst only let me speak Her. Speak, then. But I do warn thee that thy life Hangs in the balance. One thin thread of gold From Mariamne's temple would outweigh it. Oyp. I have had certain knowledge that thy wife Hath sent her picture HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 313 Her, Ah? Oyp. To Antony. Her. Woman, dost thou crave death, that thus thou tempt'st it? To Antony ? To Antony ? Her picture ? Hath sent her picture to Mark Antony, The Egyptian harlot's lover ? She, my wife, The queen of Jewry ? Mariamne ? She, The wife of Herod ? Oh, if thou hast lied, I'll have thy heart cut out and thrown straightway Beneath the feet of Mariamne ! Oyp, Nay, Thou sham'st thyself, my son, more than thou dost thy mother, To give thy wrath the rein. I have had word. I know the thing I speak. Salome, too. Doth know it. Her. That she hath her picture sent Unto Mark Antony ? Oyp. Ev'n so. Her. That she God ! she shall come herself and answer this. Oyp. Not so ; but wait until thou art arrived In Laodicea, and then, in off-hand manner. Bring up the subject to Mark Antony, Or Gallius, or some one of his picked friends. But carelessly, as though thou found'st it matter For mirth. Her. Ha ! now I see why Antony Hath summoned me. Oyp. For what, my son ? Her. For what? To take my life, that he may take my wife ! I see it all. It is a plot between them. I see it ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! Oyp. Is this a time for laugliter, Herod ? Beseech you, quietly. At what dost laugh ? Her. I laugh to think how I will foil them, madam ! Where's Joseph ? Where is Sohemus ? Oyp. My sou, Sure thou wilt not word this to Sohemus, — To Joseph ? Her. I will word it to Beelzebub If it doth pleasure me I Out of my way ! Oh, I will play into their hands I I'll aid thoni ! I'll make them merry I Ha ! hu ! ha ! Oh, I'll make them merry I [Exity huu/himj. Enter Salome. 8(d. Why laughed my brother? C^p. At what should he laugh ? A Herod laughs whore a \ncvo man wouM weep. 314 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Sal. Hast told him of the picture ? O/p. Ay. Sal What said he? Oyp. He laughed, and asked me where thy husband was. Sal. Asked thee where Joseph was ? Oyp. Ay. Sal. God above I This will ruin all. Joseph would take her part Against great heaven. Oyp. But he cannot deny 't. Sal. He'll find some means to soothe him. Oyp. Well, so be it. IVe done all in my power to ruin her. Sal. Insolent vixen ! I would give one-half Of my young life, could I but spend the other In watching her abasement. Oyp. Soft ! Come on. Herod returns this way. [Exewni, Enter Herod and Joseph. Jos. What ! Sent her picture to Mark Antony ? Thy mother told thee this ? Wilt thou believe it ? Her. Whether or not I do believe it, uncle, IVe a command for thee. Jos. In all, my liege, I'll prove obedient. Her. Thou knowest, sir. This summons is a dangerous one. Jos. My lord, God's kinghood watches over Israel's kings. Her. But Israel's God hath naught to do, good uncle, With Roman Antony. Look ! this command Is one most sacred. Jos. I will keep it, sire, As mine own soul. Her. Then, Joseph, if that Antony Doth take my life, do thou take Mariamne's ; For even in death I would not be without her. Jos. Dear my lord ■ Her. Say no word. Thou hast thy orders. Jos. But kill her, sire ? — thy queen, whom thou so lovest ? Her. 'Tis for that reason I would have her slain. Jos. But sure, my lord, this is a savage love. Her. As savage as the heart it quickens. Look, sir I Thou wilt be faithful? Jos. As unto my God. Her. [Taking off a ring.'] Thus, then, I seal thee to me. Wear this ring, And never look on it but what thou thinkest Of that which thou art sworn to. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 3X5 Jos, ni remember. Her, Commend me to my mother and thy wife, Also to Alexandra and Hyrcanus. My queen doth wait for me without. Farewell. Kemember thou art sealed to this. Jos. My lord, Death will forget ere I do. Her, Then farewell. [Exit, Jos. How he doth love her ! Yet a love more cruel Than hottest hate. I know not, on my soul. If Herod's hate or Herod's love be crueller. Ay, to be Herod's wife were punishment Enough for a she-angel grown rebellious. Where Lucifer was hurled into a hell. Sealed to his orders ? Sealed unto a murder ! Yet he hath ever used me kindly, — ay, With trust and courtesy. It is this love. Which makes a madman even of a king, That hath so spurred him. Now would unto heaven . Salome did not so abhor the queen ! For, though imperious, she is a woman To win the liking even of a woman. She send her picture to Mark Antony ! Why, sooner would she scar her wondrous beauty Than so unveil it to the eyes of lust. She send the fool of Cleopatra love-tokens ! Nay, let the sea turn traitor to the moon And fill some reedy pond for love ! Well, well. Her innocence doth wait to welcome him In Laodicea. [Eocil. Enter Alexandra and Hyrcanus. Alex. What, father ! thou art with this Herod too ? Thou think'st him guiltless ? Thou canst speak of him With kindness, and thy only grandson dead At his command ? Oh, are there mothers in heaven Who have so suffered upon earth ? If so, — If any such there be, to them I kneel, To tlicm cry out, to them denounce this Herod ! Hyr. My daughter, thou lii\st heavy grief to lK^ar. Alex. Help me to bear it, then I Take thou thy share, And help me to my vengeance I Tliou art king. Thou art the king of Jewry, — not this Herod, This low-born coiKiueror, this thief o' crowns, Tliis son of scorned Antipater ! Oh, I marvel T^hat thoii canst eat, and drink, and sleep, and wake, And (!all (hyself Hyrcanus, and yet bcjir it! Whence cjinie liis greatness? Whence his power? Yea, And wheniie liis crown ? The firnt two were thy gilts, The third lie stole to show his trratitnde I 316 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. What, sire ! wilt thou endure 't, wilt sit so calm While Fortune strips thee to make rich this traitor ? Eise, be a king once more ; nay, be a man ! Appeal unto the people ; they do love thee. Resume thy throne, resume thy dignity, Denounce this Herod ! Seize this Herod ! Slay this Herod ! Hyr. More gently, good my daughter. I am old. Alex. Ay, old in patience ! Make me but thine heir, And 1^1 defy him. Hyr. Nay, I crave but peace As pillow for my age. My time to rule Is past, and Time is ruler over me. Believe me, thou dost somewhat wrong the man. He is ambitious, but hath not kept all Of this my kingdom. Alex. What ! not all ? Not all ? Oh, noble generosity ! Not all ? Thy kingdom is thy spouse, and is there beggar So lost that he would share with any man His lawful wife ? Hyrcanus, O my father. By thy white hairs I charge thee honor them And give them back their crown ! Hyr. Dear daughter, patience. Had I the wish, the means were not with me. Alex. Take thou thy part, and God will give thee means. Oh, would I were Hyrcanus, and a man ! Thou soon shouldst see this Herod made a slave ! Hyr. Hast thou forgot he is thy daughter's husband ? Alex. Forgotten it ! Though memory were worn So full of gaps 'twould not hold yesterday. That should be recollected ! What ! forgotten A Herod's blood doth mingle in the veins That should be clogged with it as with some poison ? That my grandchildren are half Herod ? — she, My child, their willing mother ? No, O God I When I forget this thing, forget Thou me ! Enter Cypros and Salome. Oyp. Madam, thou dost talk loudly for a palace. Alex. Madam, thou dost talk pertly for a commoner. Oyp. How ! Commoner ! The mother of King Herod ? ' Alex. Common for that, if not a commoner. Oyp. Insolent shrew ! dost not thou fear to word me ? Alex. Insolent citizen ! dost not thou fear To word me ? Sal. Madam, best you have a care. Hyr. Ay, good my daughter, pray you guard your tongue. Who rouses Hate must look for hell to follow. Come with me. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 317 Alex. Nay, not I. Let these go forth, If they would not be worded. Oyp, We go forth At thy command ? Let God obey the devil. Go thou forth, shrew. Alex, Let God obey the devil. For I will not. Sal, Dost thou insinuate ? Oyp. Ay, dost thou dare ? Hyr. Good Cypros, good Salome, Good Alexandra Alex. A.J, call evil good ! It is thy trade, since thou'st called Herod generous. Oyp. The king shall hear of this on his return. '- Ay, instantly ! Alex. He hath not yet departed. Here is the lawful king of Israel [jpoints to Hyrcanus], And here his daughter. Oyp. Herod shall know of this. Alex. Ay, tell the shoe that the foot chafes with it. Do, gentle commoner ; do, citizen ; Cypros, do. JRyr. Oh, daughter, daughter, you do dig a pit And rush into it. — Please you, madam, patience. Oyp. Dost tell me patience ? Thou hast heard her ? Come, Salome : if the king be not yet gone. He shall have word of this. Sal. Ay, as I live ! \Exeunt Salome and Cypros. Hyr. Oh, woe is me, my daughter, that my life May not glide onward stilly to its silence. But thus by words be lashed into a storm To toss this frail old bark that bears my soul. Canst thou not feign a peace, though set for war ? Surely thou need^st not use such taunting terms As those with which thou hast just heaped the mother And sister of the king. Alex. The king again ? And thou dost call him king? More sovereignty There is in this my tender woman's body Than e'er was topped by thy lost diadem. Let us begone. The very air's infected That they have breathed. [Exeunt, SCENE 11.— Before the palace gates. Mabiamne, with her two sons, Alexander and Arisix)bulus. Mar. How long lio (arrlos ! Run, my boys, run (juickly, And sec if yo can glim[)se liiin. \ Kvcnnt hoys.^ This delay Hath signs that nmkc iiic Irarful. What if (^ypriw 318 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Hath poured some falsehood in his jealous ears To poison love ? He\s here. I'll meet him. Well, Enter Herod. At last thou'rt come, my lord. Alex. [Running to his mother.'\ Oh, mother, mother I He flung me from him, that I tripped and fell ! Mar. Herod, was this well done ? — Hush, hush, my boy : King's sons weep not for scratches. — Good my lord. Wilt thou not answer ? He7'. 'Tis a comely boy. Think you that Antony could father better ? 3Iar. Mark Antony ? How should I know, my lord ? Her. How shouldst thou know ? That's well, that's very well. How shouldst thou know ? Ay, ay, there is the riddle The Sphinx hath failed to answer. 'Tis for that He turns from Egypt for its solving. 3far. Sire, Thou art in merry mood for sad occasion. Goest thou in truth to Antony ? Hei'. Ay, madam. Wilt thou come with me ? Mar. No, not if I could. Her. Ha ? Wherefore not ? Mar. Because I'm weary, Herod, Of thy fierce humors. Her. Weary of my humors ? Weary of me ? Thou wilt confess it, then. Unto my face ? Mar. I said not I was weary Of thee, but of thy humors. As to that. When they do touch me only, I can bear them ; But when they touch my children, I am roused Above submission. See how thou'st bruised him, sir I And he doth look to thee as unto God, And loves thee above God, — ay, worships thee, — And thus thou usest him ! Her. Come to me, boy. Thy mother, doth she speak the trutli ? Alex. Ay, sire, My mother always speaks the truth. Her. So ! does she ? Thou lov'st me, then ? Alex. Yes, sire. Her, With all thy heart? Alex, With all that's not my mother's. Her, Dost not know Herod will not take part of anything? Well, tremble not. So ! Let me- sec thine eyes : What color are they ? HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 319 Alex. Mother saith, like thine. Her. Ay, doth she ? Look ! how wouldst thou like a brother With Roman eyes ? Alex. What are they like, my lord ? Her. Like Antony's. Alex. Is that the Antony My mother talks of ? Her. Dost thou say so, boy ? Doth she talk of him ? Soft, soft, soft ! no tears ! This Antony thy mother talks of, — soft ! No tears, I tell thee, — come, what doth she say Of Antony ? Alex. That he's a bad, bad Roman, Who hath sent here to take thee from us. Her. Hold ! Look at me. Thou hast honest eyes. Mar. [^Coming forward.'] Ay, Herod, And he is honest. Wilt thou doubt thy son. As well as her who mothered him ? — Sweet boy, Come close to me. — Why should he not be honest? He is Hyrcanus' grandson, and the son Of Mariamne. Her. Not of Herod? Mar. Now Shame on thee, doubting king ! I will bear all But that which slurs my honor. Darest thou stand, Look in my eyes, and hint me wanton ? No, Thou dost not dare to do it. — Come, my sons, These are no words to fill your innocent ears : Bid God-speed to the king your father. Alex. Sire, God speed thee on thy journey. Aris. God be with thee. Mar. Farewell, my lord. God be with thee indeed, To mend thy doubting heart. [ExU vntk her sons. Her. Stay, Mariamne I No, I'll not call her back to melt resolve With love's quick fire. I will be firm in this. And yet was guilt ne'er forehead ed like that. The child, too, said that she named Antony But to abuse him. Yet that is no proof, — He may have been instructed so to speak. I will ])rocced unto the truth in person. How if it were some trick? My motlier hates her, — Salome too. But then tlioy dared not trick me ; Moreover, they do know that proof awaits me W heather of their dishonesty or truth. ]5e that as 't may, if slie hath sent her picture Unto Mark Antony, l)y Israers God, I Ml send her to his wanton as a slave I Vol. XLll.— 21 320 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. ACT II. SCENE I. — Laodioea. A room in Antony's house. Enter Antony and Herod. Ant Nay, say no more about it. I'm content Unto the full with what thou'st told me. Tut ! I might have known 'twas woman's babble. Her, Ay, These women that are kin to those we love ! Methinks that Satan was a married man, And his wife's mother egged him to rebel, Seeing that heaven would not hold them both. Ant. Well said ! Well said ! Thou hast the trick o' humor. Thou canst trim old facts with invention, sir. Until they seem not worn. Thou'lt be well missed In Laodicea. But look you ; it is said Arabia doth not give willing tribute. How's that? Her, Thou'st tapped a cedar, Antony, And look for it to give forth balsam. Ant. So? Arabia's king is niggardly ? Her, Good sooth, As covetous of his gold as Earth herself. And tighter holds it. Ant. So ? I have heard as much From Cleopatra. What's the tribute ? Know you ? Her. It was two hundred talents, but of late It has been less, — considerably less. Ant. Less ? That's not well, — not well. I like not that. I have no time to war against Arabia. Two hundred talents ? That rich country's veins Could spare ten hundred drops o' gold, nor beat One pulse-stroke weaker. If there must be war Her, Well? Ant, If there must be war, I'll look to thee To manage it. Her. So be it. \^Adde,'\ He shrinks from murder Of one alone, but to secure his death Would order thousands unto theirs. Ant. [Muttering.'] 'Tis pity. 'Tis pity. I'd not have it so. [Rousing.'] What say you ? Her, Nothing. Ant. If there be war, I look to thee. Remember. Her, I'll remember. Ant. Hold a little. There are some papers, — those I told thee of. Wait for me here. [EooiJt Antony. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 321 Her. Thou Eoman hypocrite ! Wait for thee? Ay, I'll wait, I'll wait. Fear not But that I'll wait. Thou cunning plot-maker ! Make war against Arabia ? Thou'dst make war Against red hell, if Satan's wife were comely. And yet this man doth take my hand and clasp me His closest friend, speak of the things that irk him, Quote Caesar freely, whistle Caesar's Rome Into my Jewish ears, make light or serious As the mood takes him ; and doth brood withal O'er schemes to have me butchered. Israel's God, If such is friendship, be not Thou my friend ! Here comes the Roman lover o' Jews' wives. JEMer Antoky. Ant Here are the papers : please you look at them : They can be sealed again. Note this, and this. And this particularly. Is't not strange ? Here, too, is something strikes me inconsistent, And here again. Dost thou return to-day ? I do not willing spare thee. Her, And I go Less willingly for thy unwillingness. When shall I look to welcome thee, my lord, In Jewry? Ant, Why, ere very long, I trust. If all works as I'd have it. Her, \_Adde.l^ Ay, ay, ay If all works as thou'dst have it. Verily I do believe thee. Ant, Whatsay'st? Her, That these errors Are strange indeed. Who drew up these reports ? Ant, Athenion. Her. With his own hand ? Ant. I think so. Hc:i\ Best thou madest certain. Then thou'lt come to Jewry, If all doth work as thou wouldst liave it, sir ? Ant, Indeed, most joyously. Her, Be sure o' that. Ant. What, Herod? Her, That thou'It come most joyously. Ant, Why, I am sure of it. H&r, Sure? Aid. What's the matter ? Thou makest a mountain of this mole-hill. H(^r. Ay, But 'twere a task as diHicult, Antony, To make a mole-hill of a mountain. 322 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Ant Well, Thou'rt in strange mood to-day. And thou wilt go ? Her, Ay, Antony. Ard, I do suspect thee, friend Her, Of what? Ant. Of being somewhat in my plight. There is one only difference. Her, And that? Ant. Thou callest thy Cleopatra Mariamne. Her. Antony! Ant. What ! So moved at the mere name ? Her, Not at the name, but at the way of naming : Name not the wife of Herod and thy wanton In the same breath. Ant, How7 sir ! Her, Yes, I repeat it, And do but ask what I myself fulfil. Thou hast ne'er heard me name Octavia In such connection. Ant, By the gods ! thy pride Would make Jove's throne its footstool ! Have a care ! Dost brave me? Her. Thou mayst call it as thou wilt. The fact remains, I will not have my queen Come near thy wanton, even in a sentence. Ant. Gods, sir ! Her. I know I'm in thy power. Yet, Eoman, I've done but what in my place thou hadst done. Ant. Well — well — well — well. She's fair enough, in truth, To make a lover even of a Herod. Her. How dost thou know she's fair ? By hearsay ? Ant. Ay, By hearsay and by demonstration both. I have her picture. Her. \_Calmly and with tightened lips."] Ah ! thou hast her picture ? Ant. And well done, too. One Procrius, a Greek, Hath limned it. I have oft bethought me, sir, That thou shouldst have it. Her. \_More calmly and more rigid.'] Hast thou so, indeed ? Ant. Ay, from the hour I knew it had been sent By Alexandra, I did purpose to Her. By Alexandra ! God ! by Alexandra ? Didst thou say Alexandra ? Ant. Ay. What then ? Her. Did Alexandra send it to thee ? Speak I Hyrcanus' daughter, Alexandra ? Ant. Ay. What, man ! art going mad ? — Without, there ! ho I Wine I Water I Anything to drink I Wine, there I HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 323 Her, [AddeJ] (And I have doubted her, have thought hfer false, Bid her a cold farewell.) I cry you grace. Give me to drink some water. No, not wine ! Water, I tell you ! ^Tis the air, I think. The closeness of the day. Notice me not. The picture, thou dost say, was sent to thee By Alexandra ? Ant Ay, by Alexandra. -Her. Dost thou know, Antony, I lied just now ? Ard. Lied? Her, Lied ! I gave thee, friend, to understand That my wife's mother stood not in my love. Ant And so thou didst. Her. Well, hear me, Antony : Before the one great God of Israel, I dote upon her ! Ant Well, of all thy moods This is the strangest. Her. Yet the welcomest ; Look you, — the picture, — can I see it now ? Ant I will go bring it to thee. Her. Vm thy debtor. [Exit Antony. Oh, Mariamne, Mariamne, Mariamne ! Thou shalt set foot upon my neck for this. Loll on my throne, and take my diadem To girdle thee. And I did bid her cold farewell, and thus Am one kiss short for all eternity ! And the boy, too, — I hurt him. A brave boy, So proud he would not weep, although I gripped him To hurt one tougher by a good ten years. A valiant boy. And she so fierce for him ; Ay, ay, she hurt me well for hurting him. Oh, I'll invent some higher name than prince To give her sons ! Good Joseph ! — he believed in her. Now, truth, I am half envious of Joseph's goodness. But he shall not outdo me after this : Herod the king shall as a warning take Herod the husband. Yet without a cause I was not jealous. No, by Jewry's throne, I was not jealous without cause I My niothor Ay, but she did not lie in everything. No, Alexandra, Alexandra, she Hyrcanus' daughter I Ha I there's mischief here, Though of a (IKferent temper. She to send The picture of my wife to Autony? To Antouy? Ah, let ine (hiuk on this I This hath, in truth, a twang of tretichery, 324 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. False, scheming Jezebel ! Yet 1^11 forgive her, That 'twas herself, not Mariamne, — yea, Not Mariamne ! But she must to prison, — To prison, for a time at least. Enter Antony. Ant Here is the picture : it is something rough In certain parts ; a taking roughness, though. Her, Ay, ay, 'tis like, 'tis very like : her eyes Unto an eyelash, yet not to an eyelash : There's margin here for the imagination To make perfection out of, almost. Why, I like it for its lack o' sleekness, man. 'Tis only God who can afford to finish ! 'Tis like her, but as sunKght's like the sun. The color's here, but not the radiance. I thank thee, Antony. This thought o' thine Shall father many deeds. As to Arabia, I will do all that thou couldst there desire : Fear not the issue. Now give me the papers ; Thou hast not sealed them, though. Here is a lamp ; Despatch, I pray thee, for I must begone ; Or shall I seal them ? Ant. Oh, I'll do it for thee. Gaze on thy pictured queen in peace meantime. As to the tribute from Arabia, 'Tis in thy hands. All such auxiliaries As thou didst purpose for my army's strengthening, Take in this cause if needs be so. These papers Are now as tight as is my trust in thee. And, like that trust, stamped with my seal. Commend me Unto thy queen, thy mother, and thy household ; Farewell, if thou wilt go. Her. I must, my friend. In everything depend on me. Ant. I will. Her. Then, once more thanking thee as to this matter, The likeness of my queen, farewell. Ant. Farewell. [Exit Herod. 'Twas well imagined. Ay, 'twill serve a turn. Fate hath by this woven his very heart-strings Into the pattern of my destiny. He will remember I returned that picture, Where, otherwise, myself would be forgot. Ah, well, so goes it. Yet, as I'm a Roman, 'Twere almost worth my while to turn a Jew Could I by so becoming fall in love With mine own lawful spouse. Yet, after all, The Jews' God is a bachelor, therefore wise In that respect above our Homan Jove : HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 325 There's nothing quicker rouses envious spleen Than to behold a man who's deep in love With his own wife ! [^Exii, SCENE 11.—^ room in Hebod's palace, Bater Joseph and Salome. Jos. Ay, madam, I repeat it, — I repeat it ; I know thou art my wife, and I repeat it. God wot, I know that thou'rt my lawful wife, And yet I do repeat it. Heaven witness That I remember Cypros is thy mother, Thyself my wife Salome, yet again I do repeat it : ye are both unjust. Unwise, unwomanly, in this your hatred Of noble Mariamne. ^al. Sir, be warned : Thou hadst best guard thy tongue. Jos. Do thou, then, wife, Set me example. Bal. This to me ?— to me ? Jos. This unto any one who hates the queen. I say 'twas base in thee to run to Herod With this tale of the picture. Ay, moreover. That I will ne'er believe she knew 'twas sent. Till Raphael be commissioned so to say I 8al. Sir, I do tell thee Jos. Madam, I tell thee I will not rest till this be set at rights. She send her picture to Mark Antony I She would as soon have Satan for a lover. Ay, that I'll swear to. She to send her picture ! Salome, in God's name — all praise be His I — Wherefore, in God's name, as I said, do ye. Your mother and yourself, so hate the queen ? ^al. Wherefore ? Didst say wherefore ? Thou dost observe her. Her insolence, her arrogance, her scorn, Her sideward smiles, her upward eyebrows, ay, Her hints and innuendoes, and then ask Wlierefore? Away ! Thou art so blind with doting Upon this virtuous queen, thou canst not see When she insults thy wife. Jos. I can well see When that my wife insults me. Come, be careful : No more o' that. Sal. No more of what ? Jos. Of that I shame to mention, — how much more to hour I Woman, soc^ that thou dost not drop again Into such wicked hinting. Nay, no word : 326 HEROD AND MARIAMNE, I will not hear it. God protect the queen From thy tongue's venom ! In the mean time, I, Being His servant, will do what I can To keep her happy. Nay, I tell thee, peace. I will not hear so much as one foul word Against Queen Mariamne ! Sal, WiUnot? Jos, Ay, Will not. Sal. Thou wilt not hear me speak ? Thou ? — thou ? Thou wilt not hear me speak ? — Salome ? — me ? — Thy wife, and Herod's sister? Jos. Herod's self Should not to me insult his queen. Sal. Out, slave ! Jos. Slave, maybe, but unchained. Therefore be still. Here comes the queen herself. Sal. [^Muttering.'] A crowned baggage. Miter Mariamne and her two sons. Mar. Let us sit here, sweet boys. — Madam, good-morrow. Fair greeting to thee, friend. — Come, Alexander, Bring me thy bow, I'll string it. Sal. Pray you, madam, Whence came that bow ? Mai\ It was my husband's, madam. When that he was a lad. Sal. He will ill take it That thou hast fingered o'er his trappings thus. liar. Ah ! dost thou think so ? — Not so hard, my boy ; Set thy knee to it steadily. Now, now. There goes the string ! Now see if thou canst bend it. Alex. Almost. 'Tis stiff. Whew ! but it stung my wrist ! There. Is that better ? Jos. Good, good, good, my lad ! Thy father will be boy again to watch thee. Well done ! Well done ! Alex. What sayest thou, mother ? 3far. Why, Well done, indeed, my warrior. Sal. Have care ; I know thy father's humor, boy. Beware Lest thy fine weapon turn into a rod For thy chastisement. Alex. Madam, dost thou think A son of Herod would be beaten ? Sal. Ay, If Herod snuffed occasion. Ay, young sir, I do, most surely. Mar. Then thou art mistaken. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 327 He is not only Herod's son, but mine. Think you I'd see him beaten ? Sal Whatwouldstdo? Close thine eyes, girl ? Mar, No, but have closed in death The eyes of any who did try it. Sal, Ay, Were it the king himself. I can believe thee. Mar. Thou talkest idly, madam, and beyond Thy mark o' freedom. — Come here, pretty one. [To Aristobulus.] Wouldst thou shoot, too ? Aris, Ajy mother, that I would. But that's too big for me. Mar, I'll have one cut, then. Fit for thy dainty grasp. How's that, my heart ? Aris. Oh, well, well, well ! I will shoot too. Oh, ay ! Brother ! oh, brother, look, I'm going to shoot. Better than thee ! I'm going to kill a tiger And sleep upon his hide. And then another ; That shall be mother's. Then another yet For Uncle Joseph. Uncle, wouldst thou like it ? Thou wilt not mind the hole my arrow makes. Wilt thou ? Look, uncle, big as this. Look, mother, As big as this ! Mar. Sweet chatterer, come here. Thou'rt treading on thy aunt Salome's robe. Sal. What's that ? Let him tread on. His mother, truth, Sets foot upon my neck : then why not he Upon my garments? Go on, boy, go on. Alex. Why, what's the matter, aunt ? What has he done ? Sal. What is the matter ? Out, thou babbling brat ! I'll answer thee. \_Ckiffs him.'] Mar. [Seizing her wrist and swinging her to her knees by a sudden movement] Ask thou his pardon, tliere. Do as I bid thee. It were best for thee. Look in my eyes, and thou wilt know 'twere best For thee and thine that thou obeyed'st me ! (iuiok, His pardon. Sal. [As if cowed.] Well, I ask it, tlien. Mar. More, more. Say, " Alexander, sou of IVfarianme, I crave thy pardon with all humbleness." Say it I Sal. I say it. Mar, Woman, speak tliose woixls ! Speak I Sal. Alexander, son of Marianine, I crave thy pardon. 328 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Mar, With all humbleness. SaL Well, with all humbleness. Mar, Now crave thou mine. Jos, Nay, madam. Mar, Crave thou mine ! Sal. [Sneeringly.'] Ay, Joseph, plead ! Mar. Crave thou my pardon, woman ! Sal, Well, I crave it. \_Bising to her feet.'] But better for thee hadst thou cursed high heaven Than dared Salome's vengeance ! \_Exii, Jos. Good madam, if it had been possible, I would thou hadst left this undone. Mar, Good uncle, In that she is thy wife, with all my heart I wish so too. But it was written so. Think on't no more. Thou hast my trust and love In everything save in thy spouse, good uncle. I cannot feign. Therein is my chief fault — Or virtue, as you will. — Look, little one. Go with thine uncle : he will see thy bow Doth suit thee. Aris, Wilt thou truly, uncle dear ? Jos. Ay, that I will. Come on. — Sweet niece, I thank thee. [Exit Aristobulus and Joseph. Alex. Mother, I loved thee when thou jflungest her down ! How strong thou art ! Oh, thou art very queen Without thy diadem, as night is night Without the stars. Sweet mother ! Mar. Ah, my boy, Thou dost not know Alex. What, mother? Mar. [Absently.'] What it is To be a Herod's wife. Alex, How dost thou mean ? Mar, [As if to herself] Doubted at every turn, — insulted, braved By those who most should cherish me, — my children Subject to slights which I could better bear. My mother scorned, her father set at naught. And I not even queen over his moods. Alex. What art thou saying, mother ? Please remember That which thou saidst thou'dst tell me. Mar, What, dear? Alex, Why, How thou first saVst my father! How he threw The javelin ! how rode the Arab horse ! Oh, thou dost know. Wilt thou not tell me now ? Mar. How I first saw thy father ? Alex. Ay. Please do it. Mar, It is so long ago. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 329 Alex, Oh, mother, please ! Don't say thou hast forgotten it, sweet mother ! Think ! Mar, God in heaven ! it is the one last thing That I would do. Nay, never heed me, child ; I do remember what thou'dst have. So, then. Sit there. How like, how like thine eyes are, sweet, Unto thy father's ! Well, I'll on. Let's see : How was it, now ? His very trick o' lip. Well, well, I'll tell thee. 'Twas a summer day. And I a maid of Spring. Canst thou think, boy. Of me as being some sweet little maid Such as thou'lt some day woo and marry ? Alex, ^^y> I will not wed her unless she be in truth Thy very copy as thou art this instant. Mar. Oh, darling ! thy old mother ? Alex. Old! Thou old? But tell the story, for thou shalt not tease me. Mar, 'Twas Nisan, then, a day o' cloud and shine, Yet all the clouds condensed would scarce have dyed One o' thy swarthy locks. There was a festival. And there were promised many feats of strength And skill in various ways, especially Casting the javelin. Thou knowest, sweet, Samaria was my home, the lovely ^* vale Of many waters," — so they call it. Oh To see the great pomegranate-trees in bloom Once more — but once ! It was in very truth As though the heart's blood of the year had stained them. I'm coming to thy father I I was then Affianced to him only, ne'er had seen Even his pictured face, and greatly feared To think of how he might appear. At last, When almost we were tired o' watching youths Draw bows or brandish spears, he came. His horse, A coal-black Arab, trapped in beaten gold, As though dark Night had borrowed of bright Day, Chafed at the reins and reared. At tliat the king, Herod, thy father, dashed his mighty fist Against the brute's strained crest, then, loosing rein, Poised lithcly, with his javelin ak)ft, Keen on the changing air. Onward they swooped, Straight on, with singing liair and hoofs a-thunder. Like to a wind made visible. Alex. On, mother I Toll me the rest 1 Please, mother I mother I mother I Don't stop to tliink of it ! Tell me the re.stl Mar, He east the javelin. The seveixxl air Shrieked with its wound, and, lo 1 the last shot arrow 330 HEROD AND MARIAMNE, That marked the target quivered, cleft in twain By that sure-hurlM blade. Alex, He cleft the arrow ? — The shaft itself? Oh, mother, dost thou think I could so cast*a javelin some day ? Not now, but when I^m bigger ? Dost thou think it ? Mar, I know not if thou couldst excel withal To such extent as did thy father, dear : He is world-honored for such feats. But, truth, I think thou couldst in part approach his skill. Thou hast his very swing o' carriage. Alex, Well, What next ? What did he then ? Mar. Leaped from his horse And caught me in his arms. Enter Herod. Her. As he doth now ! What ! trembling ? Oh, my queen ! my wife ! my life ! Tremble no more ! Give me thy lips ! Look up ! Nay, sweet, look down. [Kneeling,'] Here is my rightful place ; Here let me kneel forever ! Mar, Nay, my lord. Thy place is something higher, for ^tis here. [Touching her heai't.l Her, Then lift me to it, for I dare not rise Of my sole self unto such happiness. Mar. [Lifting him.] Come, then. Her, Oh, God ! to love like this is pain. Give me thy shoulder for a moment, sweet. All of me that's not Herod is in mine eyes. Mar. And all that's Herod or not Herod, love, Is in my heart. Her. [Taking her face into his hands."] In nothing changed : the same Deep, maddening eyes ; lips curled for love ; rich locks That tempt the fingers. Ay, the same, the same. Even to that flutter in thy throat when touched, As though thy heart were some wild, winged thing That struggled to be free. Wild heart, I'll kiss thee For being wild. [Kisses her throat,] Mar. Ah, Herod ! ah, thy corselet I — It cuts my arm. Her. Let my lips plead its pardon. [Kissing her shoulder.] God's heart, girl, thou art twenty times more sweet Than all thy dear Samaria's sun-kissed fruits. Thy lips I Once more thy lips ! — thy lips ! — thy lips ! Mar. Nay, Herod I Herod ! thou forgett'st the boy. This is not seemly. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 33I Her, Ho ! Not seemly, say'st thou ? Herod and seemly harnessed, were as well As were a tiger lashed unto a dove. Mar, Yet doves, the Greeks do tell us, draw Love's chariot. Her, The chariot of Love's queen. The king of love Guides heel-winged tigers with a sword of flame. Talk not to me of doves : it is as though One little, milk-white cloud did near the blaze Of some red sunset. Heaven is in my heart Because of thee, — but heaven on fire. Look, boy ; Come to my knee. Thou art a well-knit lad :• Wouldst learn to cast the javelin ? Alex. Oh, father ! Her. That's well, — that's well. Ay, call me father, boy : I like it better than more stately terms From thy young lips. — He hath thy brows, my queen. Mar, Nay, thine — unto a hair. Her, Why, heart, look here : For th' dark original of this proud arch I first did love thee. Mine ? Thou knowest well Those were ne'er copied from my shaggy front. — Look thou, to-morrow ere the sun be high I'll teach thee how to cast a javelin. Alex. Sire ! Her. Nay, father, or no javelin. Alex. Dear father ! Her, Thou rogue! that knack o' sweetness, without ques- tion. Was from thy mother gotten. Well, come kiss me. Now off. Alex. Ay, father. Mother dear, farewell I [Exit. Her, Now to my lips ! Mar, My lord. Her, Nay, do not speak. Mar, I cannot breathe. Her, Ah, peace ! Mar, Nay, let me breathe. Her. Presently, by and by. Why, struggle not. I would not hurt thee. Mar. But thou dost, — thou dost. Thou art so strong thou dost not know. Her. Well, there. Come lean against mo. liOok ! what thinkest thou That I have here ? [ ToxiMmj his breast.'] Mar, I cannot think. Her, But try, To please me. Come. Mar, A loc^k of hair ? Her, Ay, tliat^ Since first I loved thee ; but theixj's soraetliing else. 332 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Mar. Indeed I cannot think what 'tis. Her. \_Taking out pidure.'] Why, here, — What dost thou think o' this ? Mar. Why, 'tis myself ! When didst thou have it done ? And where ? By whom ? Am I as fair as that ? Her. Is moonlight fair As starlight ? Mar. N^y^ ^7 ^yes are not so large. Her. Larger. Mar. ' Oh, Herod, no ! And see what lips ! Her. I'd rather feel them. Nay, shrink not, shrink not : Thou dost not know how 't chafes me when thou shrinkest. Mar. I will not, then. Who painted it ? Her. A Greek Named Procrius. Here, take it in thy hands. 'Tis well done, is it not ? [ J-sicZe.] She is as true To me as I was false to her. I'd swear By every goddess in the Boman heaven That she ne'er eyed that picture in her life. Ay, 'twas all Alexandra. God of Israel ! Would to Thy mercy that, like Adam's wife. All others could be mothered by a rib ! Mar. \_Coming towards him.'] It is most wondrous. In truth, my love, it gladdens me at heart That thou'st so good a copy of myself. To help remembrance when thou'rt absent. Her. Nay, Memory needs no aid from Mariamne. But how thinkest thou I got this picture ? Mar. Truth, It is beyond me. Her. Whose dost think it was Ere it was mine ? Mar. I cannot dream. Her. Why, then Mark Antony's. Mar. Mark Antony's ! Thou jestest. Her. I do not jest. Thy mother sent this picture Unto Mark Antony. Mar. No ! no ! Why should she ? Her. I know not ; but for no good, — that I know. Mar. What wilt thou do ? Hei\ Thou knowest as well as I That for offence so grave imprisonment Were a light punishment. Mar. Ah, for my sake Forgive her. Thou dost know how rash she is, — How hot o' temper. 'Twas a crime, indeed. To bare my face unto the Roman's eyes ; HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 333 But I, who bare my very soul to thee, Do crave her pardon. Look, my lord, I kneel. Her. No, by my soul ! thou never shalt bend knee To any save thy God. She was forgiven At thy first asking. Mar, Now thou'rt king indeed, — Now Herod at his best. Her, Come, prove it, then, Upon my lips. — Who comes ? Enter Joseph and Aristobulus. Aris. [^Brandishing a little bow and arrow. '] Oh, mother, look ! look ! look ! [Seeing the hing.'\ Oh, uncle ! Her. Soft ! Come here, boy. Why, thou art most bravely weaponed. Canst bend that monstrous bow? — Good uncle, greeting. Jos. I knew not thou wert back, my lord, indeed. When didst thou come ? Her. Why, some few moments gone. Uncle, I would have word with thee. — My love. Farewell until this interview be o'er. Wait for me in our chamber. Mar. • Ay, my lord. Come, little archer. [Exit with Aristobulus. Her. Good uncle, thou wert right in all thou saidst : The mother of my queen, and not herself, Did send her picture to Mark Antony. Jos. Praise be to God for this ! And, good my lord, Let it be long ere thou again dost doubt her. Her. Is never long enough ? Jos. Ay, if thou'rt serious. But close thine ears against the slanders, sire, My wife and thine own mother are most sure Again to bring thee. Her. Death's not deafer, sir, Than I will be. Jos. Nor let looks stir thee. Her. None, As I am king. Jos. As thou art man ! Her. Ay, then, As I am man. Not one, not one. Rest, uncle ; I will be staunch. But look you, sir : what object Dost think Ifyrcaiuis' daughter had in this? Jos. Nay, 1 know not. Some woman's muddle, surely. Thou'lt not stir up dissension when 'tis napping, For such small cumse? Her, Small cause, say you ? Small cause ! Just heaven I it hath never seemed so great As by this ^'snuilF' o' thine. Small cause, that she, 334 HEROD AND MARJAMNE. My queen, hath been unveiled unto the eyes That are a wanton's daily mirrors ! Oh, Small cause had God to punish Lucifer, If that my cause against this shrew be small ! Jos. What wilt thou, then ? Her, I would have 'prisoned her. But that my queen did plead against it, sir. — Unto less heart-near matters : Antony Has given Coelosyria to his jade. Jos. That's better for Judea than for Antony. Sawest Cleopatra while in Laodicea? Her, Ay. How she hates me ! Jos. Thou wert safer, nephew, In Cleopatra's hate than in her love. Her, Ay, but she works against me. Enter Cypros. Greeting, mother. How dost thou? Oyp, Well in body^ but in mind Something less easy. Sir, I crave your leave. [ J.si(ie.] Bid him go forth. I have some news for thee. Her, Is it so musty now it will not keep ? Gyp. It doth concern Hyrcanus' daughter, Herod. If thou'st no care to hear it, I will go. Her, Nay, stay. Of Alexandra ? I will hear it. — Uncle, thy leave. Jos, Nephew, thy promise. Her, Ay, I will remember. Jos, Heaven aid thee, then ! [Exit, Her, Mother, thou art not in my love just now. How camest thou to state so falsely, madam, This matter of the picture ? Oyj>, Good my son, How dost thou mean ? Her, Thou knewest all the while Hyrcanus' daughter sent it, — not my wife. Oyjp, Nay, Herod, as I live. But how dost know 'Twas only Alexandra ? Her. That's no matter. Suffice it that I know. What's this thou saidst Thou hadst to tell me ? Oyp. While that thou wast gone, Reports did reach us thou wert slain by Antony ; Whereon this woman strove to coax thy uncle That he would set forth straightway from Judea And seek protection with the Roman legion. Her, She did? Oyp, Ay, by my soul ! HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 335 jHer. Thou hast once lied : How shall I know if once thou speakest truth ? Oyp, Here comes Salome : ask her. Her, Hath Salome The writ of truth about her ? [Eater Salome.] Look you, sister, What of this flying to the Roman ensigns ? Sal. True. Her, Wilt thou swear it ? Sal, Ay. Her, God knows ye women Would swear hell heaven, to win the devil over. How shall I know ? Oyp, Ask Joseph. Sal, Nay, not Joseph. Her. Why not? Sal, Because he would swear wet were dry, To win one smile from thy chaste queen. Her. What meanest thou ? Sal. But what I said. Her, Why saidst thou " my chaste queen" ? Sal, Is she not chaste ? Her, Softly ! No insolence ! Why should I not ask Joseph ? Sal. Ask him, then : ^Tis naught to me. Her, But 'tis not naught to me ! Woman, give word. Why dost thou simper ? Speak ! What dost thou smirk at ? Sal, Why, at mine own thoughts. Her. Are they so merry ? — Mother, dost thou know Why thus she Josephs me ? Oyp. 'Tis not unnatural A wife should feel some jealousy when Her, Ay, When what ? This ^ what's' the thing. Sister, have care, — Have care : I am more Mariamne's husband Than I'm thy brother. Sal. Think'st thou that is news? Her, Then answer. Sal. I have answereil. Her. Trifle not. What dost thou hint at ? Sal. Ilinting's not my way. Thank God, I liave the courage to be honest. Her. Then demonstrate it. What didst mean just now, By saying that Joseph would swear wot were dry, To win a smile from Mariamne ? ^ Sal. Why, Tliat ho would do it. There's no mystery tliere. Vol. XLU.— 22 336 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Her. Pernicious vixen ! I'd not husband thee Though on our wedding-day I were to pose God of the hundredth heaven ! What dost thou mean, Thou smirking obstinacy ? Speak, I say I If that thou dost not word it o' th' instant, I'll give thy vaunted courage work to do. Sal. If thou wouldst hear thy shame told as a tale, Pardon me if I would not so hear mine. Her. My shame and thine ? My shame ? Have care ! have care! Herod is Herod, though ten times a brother. My shame? My shame? My shame? Ay, let thy blood Forswear thy poisonous lips, as that of thee In my hot veins forswears thy poisonous self. Mother, begone ! we'll have this out alone. No word ! Depart ! [Eodt Cypros.] Now, woman. Sal. Why dost glare ? 'Tis not my fault. Her. Fault ? Fault ? Who spoke of fault ? Just now 'twas shame. Well, shame's a fault, that's true. And faults are shameful when found out. Come, hasten. Madam, this matter. Sal, [Pulling out a bracelet. 1 Hast thou e'er seen this ? Her. Ah, 'tis the bracelet I gave Mariamne At our betrothal. Jade, how didst thou get it? She wears it ever on her left arm. Sal. Nay, Did wear, — not wears it. Her. Girl, where didst thou find it ? Sal. In Joseph's closet. Her. May that lie thrice damn thee ! What ! thou wouldst have me think oh, devilish harpy ! — Have I e'er called thee sister ? Look, Salome, If thou hast jested, I'll forgive thee. Sal. Nay, If I had jested, I would not forgive Myself. Her. Oh, devil ! — devil ! Sal. Why, just powers ! Let me begone ere that I am quite murdered For doing what's my duty. Her. Move no step Until I wring that poisonous mind o' thine Of its last drop. Tliou say'st thou found'st this bracelet Within thy husband's closet? Sal. Ay. Her. Then thou Didst steal and put it there ! Sal. Brother ! HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 337 Her, I say, If thou didst find the bracelet of my wife In Joseph's closet, thou didst steal it thence And put it there for reasons of thine own ! Sal, Herod! Her. Ay, that's the name of Jewry's king. Doth any dare to brave him who doth bear it ? Look you, if this be false, — nay, it is false, — Why, mark you, then, if when I show this bracelet Unto my queen, with word of thy foul slander, — If, when I tell her this, she pleads not for thee, To have thee pardoned, dear as is this toy For all the memories that it doth curing, I'll have it beaten to an arrow-head, And send it through thy false and shrivelled heart With mine own hand ! [Exit, Sal, Accursed be ye both ! ACT III. SCENE I.— ^ room in Herod's palace. Miter MARIAMNE and Alexandra. Mar, Mother, I do but ask thee be advised. Alex, Thou dost but ask me be advised ? Indeed ! So thou dost only ask me be advised ? Well, am I not a docile, patient mother ? — A gentle, good, obedient, humble queen ? Thou ask'st me be advised ! Now, let a babe Advise its mother how to suckle it, — The stars grow independent, and turn back Upon their courses to instruct high God How they should move, — earth rail at heaven's method,- The entire and changeless system change about. Until at last the nations rule their kings. Not kings their nations ! • Thou advise me ! Mar. Madam, Thou must acknowledge that it was not seemly To send my picture to the Roman general. What purpose hadst thou ? Alex, What is that to thoc. Since 'twas unseemly? Thou wouklst not seek, surely, To learn unsc^omly niattors? Mar. Good my mother. Wilt thou not see that all my care in this Hatli been to place tluu* beyond scorn or danger? Thou ran'st a risk almost as terrible Ah when thou soughtest to convey tliyself 338 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. And Aristobulus to Cleopatra Concealed in perforated coffins. Alex, Kisk ! What risk? Of what? Mar, Of being imprisoned. Alex. ^ I?-^ I be imprisoned ? — I ? — Hyrcanus' daughter ? — The sometime queen of this usurping king ? Mar, Mother, have care. Alex. He to imprison me ? He — Herod — to imprison Alexandra ? Out ! I will not believe it. Mar. Best thou didst. Alex. What ! thou wouldst suffer it ? Mar. To be a queen Doth mean to suffer many things, good mother ; And who should know this better than thyself? Alex. A.jj who indeed, O God ! Mar. Then for my sake Be warned in time. For there may come an hour When even Mariamne '11 plead in vain. Alex. What wouldst thou ? Mar. Be but careful. Make no plans To follow secret ways. Thou knowest well Thou'rt watched at every turn. Alex. Ay, well I kngw it. But what's more exquisite than by thy skill To make the watcher watch in vain, — outwit him, — Baffle him utterly ? Mar. But recollect How thou hast ever failed unto this moment. Alex. We must thrice fail to be successful once. I have once more to fail. Mar. Believe me, mother. That " once" might never live to breed success. Here comes the king. I'll ask thee now to go : 'Twere best he did not now see us together. Alex. I'll think of what thou'st said, but will not promise. No promises. [^Exit, Mar, She is my body's mother. And yet she seems as daughter to my soul. Oh, would to God that she would be advised ! There's something ominous to me of late In very silence, and my urgent heart Cries, " Herod ! Herod ! Herod !" till the night Is vibrant with his name. Would unto God I knew to what extent he loveth me, Or could but sift his passion through his love And note how much the one outweighs the other 1 Joseph doth hold unto the theory HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 339 That he doth cherish me above ambition ; And yet I doubt : — men so oft love the pleasure Above the pleasure-giver. Love lives on trifles, And we can lose him wholly with an eye, A broken tooth, an arm, our tresses' gold. How if some day this face which now he worships Were by some grievous accident scarred o'er. Made hideous ? How if mine eyes were blurred By some fierce, sudden blight ? — my figure mangled ? How if — oh, God ! — I were a leper ? Then — Would he then love me ? Nay, a leprous soul Were easier borne of men than that one lock Enter Hebod. Should lose its beauty ! Yet, withal, how Joseph Doth dwell upon his constancy ! Good Joseph ! His wife's the only evil thing about him. Good, faithful Joseph ! Her, Madam, I am come. Is Joseph here ? Mar. No. Dost thou wish for him ? I'll have him called. HefT. Nay, but I heard his name ; I'm sure I heard his name. Mar. Why, so thou didst : I spoke of him. HefT. Spoke of him ? What of him ? Do thy thoughts oft run Joseph-wards ? Mar. Indeed they do, my lord. Her. Ha ! Mar. I am certain, sir, He is the faithfullest of those about thee. Her. The faithfullest? Mar. Ay. Why dost thou so stare ? Her, Know'st thou this bracelet ? Mar. Oh ! where didst thou find it ? Thank God 'tis found I How strange that thou shouldst find it ! Her. Strange? Mar. Ay. What then ? Her. Wherefore is it so strange That I should find thy bracelet? Mar. 'Twas my tliought, — My woman's way o' conjuring coincidence Out of a leaf- fall. I did say 'twas strange Because it is the bracelet thou didst give me At our betrothal. Aristobulus Did slip it from mine arm this very morn While playing, and I have not seen it since, Though every servant liuth been errandcd Throughout the palace to make search for it. 340 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Her, Where is the boy ? Mar. With Joseph. Her, Is there none Save Joseph to amuse him ? Mar, Nay, thine uncle Doth love our boys. Her, And our boys' mother, — yes. Mar. I think he doth. He is the only one Of all thy household who is civil to me. Her, Insinuations? Mar, Dost insinuate That I insinuate ? Her, Why not? thou art — A woman. Mar, And a queen. Her, By heaven, thou lookest it ! See that thou act it, too. Have the boy called. Mar, Who? — ^Aristobulus ? Her, Ay. Mar, Wherefore, sir? Her, Have the boy called, I say. Mar, I pray you, Herod, If that he hath offended, — if (more like) Thy sister and thy mother have borne tales Concerning him Her, Away ! Mar, If thou'st been urged To harshly deal with him, do not, I pray thee. Her, Peace! Mar, He's so young, so frail, so timorous. So fearfiil of thee. Her, It were well his mother Took lesson by that last. Call him, I say. Mar, And I, that I will not, unless thyself Dost tell me why thou wishest him. Her, Thou wilt not? — Without, there ! [Enter Servant,'] Tell the young prince Aristobulus To wait on me immediately. Hasten ! Mar, If 'tis thy purpose to ungently use him. Myself shall stand between ye I JSnier Aristobulus. Come, my heart ; None shall entreat thee. Aris. Is he angry with me ? Mar, I know not ; but he shall not hurt thee. Her, Boy, When didst thou have this bracelet ? Mar, Ah ! HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 34I Aris, This morning. — Oh, mother, who did find it ? I^m so glad ! Did the king find it, mother ? Mar, I know not. Her, Where didst thou have it last ? Aris, I don't remember. Her, Thou dost not? Aris. No. I think Her. Well, out with it! What dost thou think? Aris. I think my uncle Joseph Took us into his chamber, and I think — I think — I think Her, Gods ! what dost stammer at ? I will not eat thee. Mar, Thou dost eye him so. Her. What, then ! shall I not look at mine own son ? What is it that thou thinkest, boy ? Aris. 'Twas there I dropped it. Her. Come to me. Aris. Oh, mother ! Her. Come. Mar. Nay, go, my boy. — If thou dost hurt him, Herod, From that same moment I'm no more thy wife ! Her. So be it, then. — Come to me, boy. Now up, — Up for a kiss. Here, take this chain with thee : 'Twill make as bright a plaything as the bracelet. Now, dost thou love me ? Aris. I — I — think so. Oh ! I mean, I do. Don't hurt me. Put me down. Her. Go, then. Aris. May I go, mother ? Mar. Ay. Exit Aristobulus. Her. My queen, Come, let me new-betroth thee. Mar. First, my lord, Tell me the meaning of this most strange scene Through which we have just gone. Her, For wliat wouldst know? Mar, For that I am thy wife and Jewry's qucon. Thinkest thou, my lord, that thou ciuist doubt me — ay. In any way — and that I'll meekly bear it? I tell thee thou hadst bettor doubt thyself Ten thousand times than Mariamne once 1 Her. I do not doubt thoc. Mar. Thou \vx^i doubted mo; And once to doubt is ever to be doubtful. Thinkest thou I did not mark the hidden meaning 342 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. With which thou didst enweigh the boy's least word, — How thou didst question and cross-question him, Frighten, soothe, frown, and smile all in an instant ? Why didst thou summon him — my child, my last-born — To answer what his mother had replied to ? Ay, wherefore didst thou that ? And as thou entered'st. Why didst thou eye me when I spoke of Joseph ? There's more in all of this than Joseph only. Can it be Joseph's wife ? Her, How if it were ? Mar, Then farewell happiness, farewell peace, hope. Life, joy, content, — ay, Herod, fare thee well ! Her. How dost thou mean ? Mar, If Herod once hath listened Unto Salome, Death may wed with Life Ere Mariamne be again a queen ! Her, Why, what dost mean ? Mar, That thy trust was my throne, Thy love my sceptre, and thy faith my crown. Shall I be queen and yet despoiled of these ? — A beggar of small favors in the kingdom Where I was wont to reign ? Not I ! — O God ! I'd rather be Thy humblest slave, than queen Unto a king whom a Salome rules ! Her, Nay, Mariamne. Mar. Am I Mariamne, And yet my child made witness 'gainst me ? Mariamne, And yet Salome heard before me ? Mariamne, And yet by Herod doubted ? Her, By my kingdom, I do not doubt thee. Mar, Then why brought'st my child To prove me ? Yea, if that the flesh were false From whence he sprung, why should he be more true ? How didst thou know 'twere not a lesson taught. That guiltiness might look like innocence ? Who is there in the breadth of Israel To prove that Mariamne is not false ? Her, Herself ! He who could meet thine eyes and doubt thee Would prove himself the very core of falseness ! Mar. He who Salome trusts doubts Mariamne. Thou canst not both believe in Jove and Jah : Honor to one doth mean to one dishonor, — For one a throne, for one a sepulchre. Her, Madam, I swear to thee. Mar, Swear unto God : His throne is sure. Her, No surer than thine own. Mar, Then heaven's kingdom rocks. Her, Nay, be assured. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 343 Mar, Of what ? Of my abasement ? Would to God I were as sure of ultimate content ! HefT, Nay, Mariamne, hear me. Let me speak. I never was suspicious without cause. Mcur, And such a cause ! Her, Why, there was reason in't. Mar, One grain of reason leavens a huge mass Of inconsistency. Of what, my lord. Am I suspected ? Her. I was told to-day This bracelet had been found in Joseph's closet. Mar, What if it had ? What then ? In Joseph's closet ? What if it had been found in Joseph's closet ? Her, Why, sure thou seest where conclusion points ? Mar, He points into a blackness where mine eyes Are sensible of naught but blackness. Her. • Why, Thou knowest how mine uncle worships thee, Is ever ready to defend or serve thee. Doth in the least thing find thee love- worthy. Mar, And so he doth. What then ? What hath my bracelet To do with this? Her, Why, 'tis self-evident. Thou hast ne'er parted from it till to-day, — Not once since I first clasped it on thee. Well, Then, when I hear — dost mark me ? — when I hear It has been found in Joseph's closet, — ay. When I hear where 'twas found, was it but natural That I should think — should find it strange — should wonder Oh, thou must understand what I would say. It is all past : let us not think on it, — Let us not think. Mar. I will be queen to Death When I have ceased to think upon it. What ! Thou didst suspect me with thine uncle ? Me ? Thy queen, thy wife, the mother of thy sons ? Thou hast suspected me, and with thine uncle ? — Now, God in heaven, commemorate this day By pai-doning Satan, for Thou may est withal Unjustly have condemned him ! Her, Hear me, madam. Mar, Hear thee, to have mine ears more blasted ? Nay, I^t deafness rescue me from further words That thou mayst utter I Her, Madam. Mar, Out I Away ! I will not hear thee 1 False with Joseph ? False ? — False with his treasurer? Nay, God, with any? Why, I must laugh at this ! The world must laugh 1 344 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Oh, God ! Oh, God ! I am indeed unqueened ! My heart and sceptre both at once are broken ! Her. Weep not. Mar. I do not weep ! Tears, such as women Do shed for lesser causes, I would scorn To offer this my sorrow. The red drops Shed from my riven heart, no man may witness. Though he were ten times tyrant, ten times king, Ten times a Herod ! Her, Mariamne. Mar, Ay, Murder my name, now thou hast slain my honor ! Cry, " Mariamne,'^ till the west doth ring An echo to the east, north unto south. The earth to heaven, until the very stars Cease in their song, to shriek, " Adulteress !" Her, Why, thou art mad ! Mar, Oh, would to God I were \ — That this my reason had not joy survived. To view my misery as a thing apart ! — O God ! Shame is chief torturer in hell : Kill me outright, and be more merciful Than hadst Thou spared more lives than I have griefs ! Her, Wilt thou not listen ? Mar, Shall I tutor God? Since He is deaf to me, I unto thee Will be deaf also ! Her, Mariamne, stay. Mar, She was the queen of Jewry, and was slain By one of Herod's words. I am the queen Of my sole self; therefore I will begone. \^Exit, Her, How she defies me ! Yet I swear I love her The more for her defiance. She were one To sit beside Jah on His throne and nod At quits with Juno. She hath scourged me bravely. Yet from each wound my heart's blood leaped with love. To kiss the hand that smote. And she was proud. Held herself loftily, and veiled her eyes Beneath her haughty lids, as who should say, " Thine halves can view sufficiently this Herod." Israel's God ! her mind is virgin yet : I've never wedded save her body. She To word me thus, — she, — Mariamne, — she, — The conquered daughter of a conquered king ? And yet I love her for 't. Yea, were I God, And able to fill space with Mariamne, Compact the stars into her diadem. Darken heaven to give her light, and of eternity Make one embrace, I were an-hungered still ! [Enter Servant, HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 345 Serv, A messenger, my lord, from Antony. Her, From Antony ? Command him hither. [Exit Servant. So! Shall public warfare chafe the ill-shod heel Of private strife ? Can I not rest a moment ? — [Enter Messenger, Papers from Antony ? What can they treat of? [Opens them.'] What's this ? What's this, I say ? Knew'st thou of this ? Lysanius of Syria put to death ! Leagued with the Parthians ! His rule given o'er — Given to the Queen of Egypt, — Cleopatra ! Know you the contents of these papers, sir ? Mess. In part, my lord. Her, All this since I have left ! And is Lysanius dead ? Mess. Even so, my liege. Her, Lysanius dead, and Cleopatra queen Of his domain ? God ! let me on — on — on ! What ! More donations ? The Nabalacan kingdom, — The sea-coast — what I Palestine's sea-coast — all — From Eleutherus even unto Egypt, With only Tyre and Sidon, sir, excepted ? This greedy wanton would storm heaven itself Were Babel's tower standing ! What ! More yet ? Jericho, too ? — Without, there, ho ! [Enter Attendant. Thou, sir. Bid Sohemus and Saramallas hither Stay, let them wait within my audience-chamber. [Exit Attendant. While I fold these, sir, know'st thou if the queen Went into Syria with Antony ? Mess, She did, my lord. Her, Ah ! Say you ? There's the germ Whence sprung this crooked tree o' knowledge. Come. Let's to my audience-chamber. [Exeunt, SCENE 11.— Enter Alexandra and Hyrcanus. Alex. But why not write to Malchus ? Is not Malchus Thy friend ? Hath he not proved himself thy friend ? Now, as Arabia's governor and lord, Is he not placed to take the part of friend In verity towards us ? Thou must know it I — Ask that he send some horsemen to escort us In safety from Jerusalem's boundaries. What's in a letter? Thou couldst find sonic ten, Ay, twelve, to bear 't in secret. There's Dositheiis I I'm sure Dositheus loves thee. Hyr, So he doth ; Ay, 80 he dotli, — he doth, — I'm sure he dotli. 346 HEROD AND MARIAMNE, But as for writing unto Malchus, — why, It is too much to ask of friendship. Alex. What? What is too much ? That he do send us horsemen To aid us in our flight ? CalFst thou that much ? Why, 'twere an office he would claim with gladness. As for the multitude, thou knowest well They are with thee, — not Herod. Hyr. Daughter, daughter, Why wilt thou not let peace sleep peacefully ? Quiet doth seem to me a boon, good daughter. That kings might place before their diadems. I am too old to plan new orders. Alex, So ? Then let me do 't. The future race of kings That yet may spring to power from Mariamne Will never find that fault, believe me, father, Among the virtues of their sovereignty. Come, here is pen ; come, here is parchment. Write, — Write, — write. Hyr, To Malchus ? That he send us horsemen ? Alex, Ay, escort to the lake Asphaltites. Write, sire, as thou wast king and wilt be ! Write. Hyr, Soft, daughter, soft ! How would it be if Herod Should by some means discover I had written ? Would it not anger him ? Hast pondered that ? Alex, Oh, wilt thou pause to think of Herod's anger. When thine should make thee pitiless ? Plunge thy pen Into my veins, that my resolved blood May of itself form the important words And save thy dubious hand the trouble ! Hyr, Nay? Nay, nay ; be not so violent, good daughter. Canst thou not give me time to ponder this ? If Herod finds thou hadst a part in it. How then ? How then ? Alex, Let then take care of then. This now is in our charge. Oh, father, write. Think on thy murdered grandson, — think on him. The boy thou loved'st, so fair, so pure, so holy, So all that Herod is not ! Think on him. And on his fate, on what our fates may be. And write to Malchus. See, here is the parchment Close to thy hand, and wax made ready. See — I'll write it for thee, — That he'll send straightway A troop of horsemen to escort us hence. That's all. Look ! thou hast but to sign thy name And seal it with thy seal : unto Dositheus I will myself commit it privately. As for Dositheus, thou knowest, father, HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 347 He could not prove unfaithful. He knows well What 'tis to lose kinspeople by this means, — This Herod-plague. Ay, ay, Dositheus Will be as true to thee as thine own arm. Fear not. Wilt thou not sign ? Hyr. How if I sign — My death-warrant ? Alex. Think not such woman thoughts : They do unsex thee. Naught can come of it But good to thee and thine. Hyr. Sometimes death's good When life is evil. Alex. Oh, delay no longer ! Sign, as thou lovest me, — as I love thee, — As God doth love us both I Sign, — sign, Hyrcanus. Hyr. Thou'rt sure thou hast not asked but that ? Alex. But what? Hyr. That he send horsemen to escort us ? Alex. Ay, As I'm thy daughter, that is all. Now sign. Good father, sweet, sweet father, sign the letter. Wilt thou not sign to please me, father ? Look ! I have not had a pleasure since the day On which we lost our Aristobulus. It will so please me. Hyr. Well Alex. Oh, do it ! do it I Some one may come. There is no time. Hyr. Thou'rt sure Thou'st only asked for escort ? Alex. Sure, — sure, — sure. Now sign it, father, — dearest father. Hyr. Well, If thou art sure thou'st asked no more than that Alex. I swear it by my dead boy's murdered body ! Hyr. Soft ! not so shrilly, — not so shrilly, daughter. There [signs letter^ will that pleasure thee ? Alex. Ay, God alone Doth know how much ! Oh, dear my father, trust me, When we arc safe beyond these listening walls, I'll tell thee how I thank thee I Some one comes. Enter Mariamne, slowly. Sweet father, say no word to her aa yet : She nmst not know of this till by and by. Why, gods I how pale she is ! — Daughter, good-morrow. What ails thee? Mar. Nothing. Mine own spirit. Aii ! How farest thon, dear ITynnims? Hyr, Why, my sweet one, 348 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. As old men fare who have no occupation Save thinking on what occupied them once. Mar, 'Tis a sad way to live. Hyr. Think you ? Mar. Ay, sire; But to live any way is sad. Alex, How now ? What sour experience gave that maxim birth ? What hath gone wrong ? Mar, My destiny. Alex. Why, girl, I never saw thee in such plight before. Mar, Nor I myself. Hyr, Dost thou feel ill, my star ? — But then how rustily old wits do work ! Stars are exempt from maladies and ailments, As thou shouldst be, my blossom. Mar. Thou'rt so good, So gentle ever, I do love thee. Here, Give me thy hand. Doth not my forehead burn ? Hyr. Ay, ay, it doth. — What's well for fever, daughter ? The child hath fever. Mar, There's no cure for this. Alex. Now, by my faith, thou hast a fever, girl 1 This comes o' too much roof-walking by night. Thou knowest I warned thee not to stay so late. But then I have a drink of balsam-flowers That savors more of magic and strange arts Than doth beseem a Jewish beverage. I'll give thee some to drink. Mar, 'Twill do no good. Alex. How dost thou say ? I tell thee that it will. Come, be not obstinate. Hyr. Ay, go, my lamb. Go, take thy mother's brew. Go, pretty one : She makes rare brews. There's one she hath of late, — 'Twill stop an aching back, — 'tis wonderful. Mar. Hast one will stop an aching heart — for aye ? Enter Joseph. Jos. [To Hyr.] My lord, the king would speak with thee. Hyr. Well, Joseph- Be docile, pretty one : thy mother's brews Are brewed with strange discretion. Best you hearkened. Wilt hearken, daughter? — Yes, I come, good Joseph. — Fair health attend thee, fair one. Take the brew. [Exit. Jos. Sweet niece, how pale thou art ! — How is't, in truth ? Is she ill, madam ? Alex. Why, I know not, sir. Mayhap she'll not acknowledge it. She looks so. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 349 Mar. Nay, I am well enough, good uncle. — Mother, Reach me my needlework. Alex. What ! wilt thou work ? Best that thou took'st the air awhile. Jos. Ay, madam. Wilt thou not walk? Mar. Good uncle, let me rest. Alex^ How? peevish? Mar. Possibly. Despair, good mother, Dons strange disguises. — Seemed I peevish, uncle ? I^m sorry for it. Jos. Tut ! tut ! tut ! ^tis nothing. I mean, thou wert not peevish. Mar. ^^7) I w^s. Alex. Ay, ay, thou wert indeed. What hath gone wrong ? Haply thy Herod hath his favors stinted,— Doth not so hotly love thee ? Jos. Madam, madam. The king's love doth not wane with lesser fires, But, like the sun, burns steadily, always, Though sometimes by a cloud 'tis darkened. Alex. Pshaw ! It twinkles like a star ; is no more fixed Than torch-reflections in a restless sea ; Waneth and waxeth ever with the moon ; Needeth, like any lamp, to be refilled With flattery's oil ; flares with the wind o' passion. Like any earth-born flame. Jos. Wilt thou, sweet niece, Hear this of thy fond lord, and yet be silent ? Mar. Whom is he fond of? Jos. Madam, canst thou ask it ? Mar. Sir, canst thou answer it ? Jos. Ay, that can I. With all my heart I'll speak in his heart's cause. If ever man loved woman, Jewry's king Doth love the queen of Jewry. Alex. Pah ! go to ! Go to, I say I He'd love her ten times better Were she the queen of somewlicre else. Jos. Nay, lady, Man were a god could he love more than Herod. Alex. Ay, ay, ay, — more than Herod loves himself. I can believe thee. Jos. [7hr7iin(/ to Mariamne.] Madam, sure thou knowest How dear tliy husbaiul holds thee. Mar. No, good uiu'le. Jos. No ! Ah, thou luoancist thou wouldst make me think 'Tifl past thy cornpivhension. Alex. l*8haw, I say ! 350 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. He loves her by the moment, by the mood, — To fill the gap 'twixt war and war. Jos. Why, surely Thou dost not think so, madam ? As I live. There are ten thousand proofs he loves his queen, — Ay, more, that Herod doth love Mariamne Till Antony and Cleopatra's loves Seem like as sparks blown off from his great fire. Alex. Sparks that may scorch his robe of self-esteem Some windy day. What are ten thousand proofs ? Give me but one, and all the doubtful rest Shall sleep beneath my blessing. Where's a proof? Come, proof, sir. Jos. Proof? And is there need of proof? Not that I have it not, but marvel, madam. That thou wouldst have it. — Lady, pray thee listen. Dost thou too wish a proof? Mar. If such there be, I will not close mine ears against it. Jos. How ! If such there be ! If such there be ! Just heaven ! If there be proof that Herod loves thee ? Why, I have one single one that would outsize Ten thousand thousand ! Alex. Oh, there's room for it. Come, yield it, — yield, good Joseph. Jos. Thou, my queen, Wilt have me speak ? Mar, Ay, if thou carest to. Jos. Why, then, — ^but speak not of it to the king : I know not if he'd like its mentioning, Though 'twere to prove his love, — ere he set forth To Laodicea, he did instruct me, madam, — Commission me Alex. Well, on : this wondrous proof, — I thirst to hear it. — Say you, daughter ? Mar, Ay, Tell on, good uncle. Jos. He commissioned me, So dearly did he love thee, that should death Be meted him by Antony in fact. Should he be put to death Mar. To death ? What then ? Jos. So doth he worship thee, so doteth on thee, That he commissioned me, in such event. In case, as I have said, that Antony Who's there ? Is't no one ? Nay, I saw a figure. Some one moved near the door, and, o' my word. This must be kept with us. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. . 351 Mar. Well, on ! on ! on ! What did he tell thee? Jos. That if Antony- Did order him to death, — did slay him, madam, — If Antony Mar. If Antony did what? Good uncle, thou'st a Cleopatra tongue, That thus thou dinnest ever Antony In Mariamne's ears. TheyM hear of Herod. Jos. Well, then, in short, he did commission me, If such were his sad fate, to send thee after. Mar. How, sir ? Not slay me ? Jos. Ay, that was his order. So dearly did he love thee that in death — Even in death — he would not be without thee. Mar, Oh, mother, mother, take me to thy breast ! I'm but thy child again, — no wife ! no wife ! No wife ! Jos. Why, lady ! — Alex. Dost thou mean to say That crowned devil bade thee murder her ? — My daughter? Jos. -^ay, not murder. Alex. He hath murdered, Why not again ? Blood-lust doth grow with tasting, And murders breed as summer locusts do. He hath her brother murdered, why not her? — Why not the sister ? Shall there be a limit Unto a Herod's thirst : when he cries out For blood to slake it, doth that being live Who'd dare deny him ? Yea ! For I am she, — I, Alexandra, rightful queen of Jewry ! What! call you this a proof? — a proof of love? That she be murdered ? Oh, how he doth love her ! So that's thy proof? Oh, how he worships her! It is thy proof, you say ? Witness, O God, How he must dote upon her ! Mariamne, Up! up ! Wilt thou bear this? Ah ! she hath swooned. Some water, pray you. Toss me that cushion quickly. Here, place it here. Water, I pray you, sir. [Exit Joseph. O God of Gods, whose brow is bound with justice, Whose loins with vengeance, — Thou whose changeless shadow Breaks on the edge of S[)acc, whose sheltering wings Enroof the windy temple of the stars, To whom the stars themselves are but as gold-dust From noiseless wlieels of thy Triumphal Car, — Thou who of Thine Omnipolence niadest man Visible in Thine image, and invisible Of Thine own essence, — lot not liis spilt blood Cry out to Thee in vain. Judge Thou, O Jah, Vol. XLII.— 28 352 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. The murderer of Aristobulus, Of him who as my son was dear indeed, But as thy high-priest precious beyond words ! Judge Thou in all the would-be murderer Of this mine other child, the lawful daughter Of Alexander Thine anointed king ! Judge him by his desires, not by his deeds. And Thou wilt have to make another hell To scorch another Satan ! SCENE 111.— Another room in the palace. Enter Salome, laughing. Sal. Oh, fool, fool, fool ! Oh, excellent, sweet fool ! Sweet husband fool ! Sweet, simple, foolish Joseph ! How thou hast played into mine hands with this ! To tell her that, — ha ! ha ! — to tell her that. Of all things in the world, to prove his love ! When thou art dead, mine own dear fool of fools, I will turn Roman and erect a temple Unto thy godlike memory ! Oh, this — This is beyond my utmost expectation, — Mine enemy to toss into my lap The ball of fate, — my loyal husband — oh ! I never loved him until now ! ha ! ha ! What wisdom's in the fooling of some fools ! Here comes my brother. — This will please you, brother, — Sweet brother, this will please you when you hear it. Wilt have the bracelet made to an arrow-head To reach my heart, good brother ? Nay, not yet, — Not yet, by that of Herod that's mine own ! Farewell, sweet brother, till thou hear'st this news. Oh, Joseph, thou hast made me bride again. I am again in love with thee for this ! — Oh, darling fool ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! [ExUy laughing. Enter Heroj), folding some papers, followed by Attendant. Her. Run after Saramallas with these papers. And bid the queen attend me. [Exit Attendant How accursed These quarrels that divide us ! I am thirsty Already for her lips. Her angry eyes Yet paint the air with horror. — Death ! that look — That look she gave me ! Yet I did deserve it ; Ay, ay, 'twas well deserved. How her lips curled. Like threads that writhe in fire, and her thin nostrils Sucked like a veil blown o'er an open mouth. I swear, were she but angry with another, I should more love her angry than composed ! Ah, she is here. My blood leaps hard to meet her. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 353 Now, as I live, she shall be friends with me, Or I will make an enemy of God ! Enter Mariamne. My queen ! Mar. ' Not thine In anything. Her, What, madam ? Mar, Neither queen, Nor wife, nor friend, nor slave, of thine. Her. What, madam ? Mar. My name is Mariamne. I am sister To Aristobulus, — that Aristobulus Who died conveniently. Her, Why, what is this ? Mar. The truth in person. Her. Mariamne, thou — Even ihou mayst go too far. Mar. How ? To my grave ? Her. Hast thou gone mad ? Mar. If to face fate be madness. Her. Is this some trick, — some fantasy ? Mar. Why, no. It is my freedom's birthday. Her, How ? Thy freedom ? Mar. Have I not said ? I am mine own and God's : None other owns so much as the sixth share In my least drop of blood. Her. Dost thou defy me ? Mar. No, Herod ; I despise thee. Her. What? Mar. Despise And scorn thee. Her. Thou art mad, — Fm sure of it ; Ay, thou art mad, — mad, — mad ! Mar. If it be madness To scorn thee, I am mad. Her. To scorn me ? Thou ? To scorn me ? Thou, wliom I have loved ! — God ! loved ! Mar. Loved ? Loved ? Blaspheme not liove's most holy name. Lest he do blast thee. What, thou love ? What ! thou ? — Herod, and say thou'st loved ? Oh, love most mighty, Most infinite, most tender, to contemplate The murder of the thing it loved ! Her, The murder? Wert thou not mad Mar. Tlie nuirder, — ay, the nuiiiler. What! thou canst stand and bare tliine eye.s to mine, And speak of love? OIi, wise to iiuike iny butclier 354 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Him whom thou didst suspect me with, — ay, Herod, The man whom thou didst think my paramour ! Her. What dost thou mean ? Mar. That thou didst love me well Most well and nobly, when thou ordered'st Joseph, If thou wert slain by Marc Antonius, To slay me also, whom thou dost so love ! Her. Who told thee this ? Who told thee this, I say ? Mar. Joseph himself. Her. Adulteress ! Mar. Sir Her. Ay, Adulteress ! Now know I thou art false. What ! dost thou think a man would give such words Unto a woman lest there were between them A tie more strong than death? — would thus brave death. Nay, woo death as a bride ? Cursed be ye both ! Thou, woman, thou, whom I have called my wife, May there be drought throughout thy treacherous veins As in a land accursed ! Ay, mayst thou shrivel To a lank, eye-blasting horror day by day. Until a million million lagging years Have sucked thy blood, as babes once sucked thy breast When thou wast Herod's wife ! Mar. Thy coward curse I do shake off as 'twere a stained garment. God is with me. Thou, Herod, stand'st alone. Thou hast scared even pity from thy side With those foul words. There is my crown, — there all Of Mariamne that remains to thee ! \_Flings her crown at Ms feet, and Exit. Her. Oh, God ! I choke ! Wine, there ! Nay, blood, — blood, — blood ! [Exit. ACT IV, SCENE I.— ^ room in Herod's palace. Enter Herod, laughing. Her. Am I called Herod, and shall Fate laugh at me? No, I will laugh at Fate ! Ha I ha ! ha ! ha ! Oh, I have been well fooled, — Herod the Fool, not Herod King of Jewry. Who was the man in Egypt had a treasurer Called Joseph? But that Joseph was not false. Potiphar's Joseph unto Herod's Joseph Was as the smile of God unto His frown. God's frown ? Ay, God can frown ; but so can Herod. And Herod's wife to Potiphar's ? Ay, there — HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 355 There is the matter : my wife unto Potiphar's Is as one drop of mud unto another ! Oh, curse her ! curse her ! What ! false unto me ? — My queen, and with my treasurer ? Both false ? Not even the cutting comfort of his truth To hug ? Adulteress ! adulteress ! Now let such angels as cry " Holy !" thrice Before the throne of God, so shriek that word " Adulteress'' that she may hear it ring From heaven to hell, when she doth stand in pride Before the throne of Satan ! May she live To die ten times a pulse-beat ! May starved fiends, With faces like her children's, gnaw her heart And spit it in her eyes to dry her tears ! May she be Baal's drudge, and bear him devils To rend her paramour ! God ! God ! God ! God ! That I were but Thyself, to revise hell And multiply capacity for pain By all the worlds in space ! Enter Sohemus. 8oh. I am here, my liege. Her, Go bid my mother and Salome hither. Ay, let her come. \_Exit Sohemus.] 'Tis well that she should come. She shall this dainty pleasure share with me. For every pang of anguish I endure, She shall be torn with two, — ay, with a hundred. Oh, devil, devil, to have told me of it ! And yet I'd loiow. But 'twas a devil's errand. [^Bhiier Salome and Cypros. So, madam, thou hast come, — and thou ? Ye're welcome. The day is fair. Sal. What mean'st thou ? Her. What mean'st thou ? Sal When? Her, When thou brought'st me that bracelet ? Sal. ^ Why, My meaning was as easily observed As was the bracelet. Her. [Seizing her by the throat.'] Darcst thou, jade? So I so ! Oj/p. Herod, hold oif thy hands! Thou'lt choke Iier ! Her. Ay, By God's help or tlio devil's, so I will. Oi/p. Tiiou'rt mad ! — Help, ho ! Tiie king is mad I Her. 'Tis mndneas To say a king is mad. Well, there she is : Mayst thou rejoice in her I Oi/p. Thou hast half killed hw. 356 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Her, Would it were wholly ! Serpents die not thus. Oyp. Thou art a fiend ! Her, Else were I not her brother. Look thou, — thou, madam, who art lying there, — Die not ere thy reward be given thee. I took thee for a liar, but in all Thou hast been true, — I do acknowledge it, — In all, — in all. IVe somewhat roughly used thee. But thou shalt have amends, — ay, ay, amends. What thinkest thou 'twill be ? Thou canst not dream, Canst thou, poor dove ? thou art so sadly ruffled Since thou didst choose to preen thy dainty feathers Betwixt a tiger's paws, — poor dove, poor dove ! But there shall be reward. Oyp. Speak what thou meanest. Canst thou not see she is half dead — poor girl ! — With thy rough usage? Her, She shall have a toy To soothe her waking, — ay, a pretty ball To toss withal, of red and white and black. Like you the colors ? Sal. Dost thou mean in truth Thou hast aught for me ? Her, A.Y. Sal, What is it? Her, Why, Thy husband's head ! — Without, there, ho ! \_Enter Attendant, Send Sohemus Straightway unto me. — What ! dost pale ? What ! thou, A Joseph's wife, and pale ? Thou ! thou ! Oh, thou Shalt feel what 'tis to suffer. — [Enter Sohemus. Sohemus, Take forth this woman's husband, the Idumean Joseph, sometime my trusted treasurer, And let him not return. Sal, How ! Banish him ? Her, No. Sal. What then ? Her, Slay him. Sal, Never ! thou wouldst not. Her. Soft ! shall I break a promise ? 'Twas my word. Thou shalt be paid in full, — in full, — in full. By God I I am half minded that thy lap Should serve as block for his beheading ! — Sir, Away unto thy office I — Ay, there, crouch, — Crouch, thou foul, damned thing. What ! still so white, For all thy well-daubed red ? Ere it be night Thou shalt have blood for paint I Oyp. My son ! — my son ! Her, No son of thine, to call that monster sister. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 367 — Let me not thrice remind thee, Sohemus : To work without delay. To work ! Soh. But, sire- Her. Tempt me not thrice, I say. Begone ! [Sohemus attempts to go, but Salome dings to him and prevents him from leaving.'] Sal By God, He shall not till I know what thou dost purpose. Her, Why, then remain, good Sohemus ; remain. ^Twill give me joy such as kings seldom know To tell her what I purpose. It is this. With the first western streak of evening red. It is my purpose — wilt thou write it down ? Here are my tablets, if thou hast none. No ? So be it. As I said, with the first stain Of blood from Night's wound on the brow of Day The blood of thy sweet spouse shall stain likewise The sword of him I shall appoint herewith To strike his fair head from his comely neck. 'Tis now some minutes short of sunsetting. Let Sohemus place a chair beside this window Ere he goes forth. Methinks it is but just That after all thy crafty painstaking Thou shouldst enjoy results unto the full. The execution will take plaoe there, — seest thou ? — Beneath that date-tree. — Sohemus, a chair. 8aL Thou wouldst not do it ! Her, No, I'll have it done. From childhood IVe abhorred the sight of blood, Save when it's battle-shed : it turns me faint. Wilt thou not have the chair ? SaL Thou couldst not kill him. Her. What didst thou think that I would do, sweet sister, When thou hadst proved him false ? Have him to sup ? A higher honor waits him, trust me, madam : He shall be Herod's chief ambassador To Satan, and his power unlimited. There are some things in hell that I'd have changed, — Ay, some in heaven. Thou'rt pale. Nay, have the chair. Sal. If thou wouldst kill him, let her die with him. Her. Make her ambassadress who was a queen ? It were not seemly. Sal. 'Tis the law of Jewry That both should die. Her. Herod is Herod's law. Sal. Brother, I lied I In all I lied I In everything I was a liar I Her. Ay, and thou dost lie. In all thou lie.st, and in everything Thou art a liar, still I — 358 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Sal, Good brother, hear me Her. A Herod hear a liar? Sal. 'Twas her fault, — Not his, but hers. Her. Devil ! I'd shed his blood To wipe those words out, if for nothing else ! What ! thou art not yet satisfied ? God's wrath ! ni make thee drain a goblet of his blood Unto my health ! Away ! The west is red ; The headsman's sword is thirsty. Sal. Herod Her. Nay, Remind me not that I am Herod, woman. If thou wouldst gain thy plea. Sal. Brother Her. That's worse. Sal. As Jewry's king I kneel to thee. Her. As wife To an adulterous hound I spurn thee. Sal. [To Cypros.] Madam, Help me to plead. Oyp. Wilt thou not hear me, sir ? Her. No ! for thou art her mother. — Sohemus, Forth on my errand. Sal. [Clinging to Sohemus.] Nay, he shall not. Oyp. Sir, Think what thou doest. Soh. Ay, in God's name, sire Her. In mine own name I do command thee forth. — Unhand him, madam. Thou weak, snivelling wretch. Unloose him, or I will compel thee, — thus. — [Dragging Salome away from Sohemus.] Sohemus, forth upon my errand. Lo ! The west is yet more red ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! SCENE 11.— Enter Mariamne. Mar. Oh, God ! that I were dead ! — that I were dead ! — That I were dead ! — or that I had not lived To be the sepulchre of mine own heart ! What ! Mariamne called adulteress By Herod ? Herod call me that ? Just heaven ! All things are possible after this thing ! Oh, that foul name ! Would he had sent his sword To find the utmost secret of my heart, Or ever my quick ears had sucked that poison ! Where shall I turn for comfort ? — Is to live Always to wish for death ? Now, were it so, And my veins nourisliing an unborn child, I'd spill their plenty unto lapping dogs Ere breath should be its portion ! Let me think, — HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 359 Ay, let me think. He shed my brother's blood, And my blood feeds the hearts of his two sons. What horror were beyond this horrible ? Ay, there is one. He hath been loved by me ! IVe held his murderous hands, played with the curls That warmed his murder-pregnant brain, — ay, kissed — Oft kissed the lips that spoke the murdering words. Lain down my head above the awful secret His heart so well did keep ! Oh, God ! oh, God ! Must I know this and live ? Sweet heaven, but rid me Of this disgraced body, and my soul Upon the wind of knowledge may be blown Eternally an alien and accursed. Yet I will think Thee merciful. Enter Alexander with pomegranate-flowers. Alex, Look, mother, Sweet, mother, look ! Here are pomegranate-flowers, To make thee think thou'rt in Samaria. Are those more beautiful ? Look, mother ! Mar. Nay, Nay, do not touch me ! do not speak to me ! Oh, look not so, my heart, — my life, — my son, — Mine, and not his ! Come, touch me ! touch me ! touch me ! Speak to me ! kiss me ! clasp me ! let me hear Ten thousand words of love ! Alex. Why dost thou hold me ? Thou'lt crush the flowers. And pray thee tell me, mother. Why wast not pleased at first ? Have I been naughty ? I thought thouMst like the flowers so much. Mar. I do, — I do. The pretty flowers, — ay, they are lovely, And colored like to blood, — like unto blood. Alex. Why dost thou say it so ? The ugly word ! I hate that word, — that " blood." Wilt thou not wear them ? Mar. Ay, ay, — upon my heart, — there is the place. Look not at me out of his eyes. Dost hear ? Thou hast his eyes, I say ! Do not look at me ! Alex. Mother! Mar. No, not that word ! Dost hciir me, boy ? Why, they're liis very eyelids ! Got thee gone ! Away with tliee ! Oh, God ! Come back ! come back ! I did not mean it. Look at me, nor weep ! I did not mean it. Tjook, I'll drink thy teal's With kisses. Would that they wore ])oison()us ! Is this the dagger that 1 gave thee? ("onie, — Give it to me again, and here [Llrn'ovcrimj her neck. Alex. Nay, mother, What dost thou mean ? Take care I It is so sharp ; I sharpened it to-day. 360 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Mar. To-day is well ; To-day should every sword throughout Judea Be newly whetted, and their edges proved Upon one heart I Alex, At what dost look so hard ? Mar, Upon that glare of steel. Stand not like that, — 'Tis so he stands a hundred times a day. Move, — walk, — change that position, — anything, So thou dost not look like him. Yes, — thy flowers, — Thy flowers. When hast thou seen thy father ? Nay, I mean thou must not name him unto me So long as thou dost live. Dost understand ? Alex, I must not name my father to thee ? Mar, Ay, Thou must not. Alex, Why ? Dost thou not like his name ? I will not say his name. Mar, Thou'lt not speak of him In any wise. Dost hear ? Alex, Ay, mother, but Mar, Where didst thou get these flowers ? They are so fresh. Didst thou think of it all of thine own self? There is one pity : they have not a perfume. Perfume's the soul of flowers. I think such flowers As have no perfume will not bloom in heaven. But perish, with the beasts. Thou hast not seen him, — Thy father, — then, to-day ? Nay, speak not ! Look, Here is the way the fruit begins to grow. Did he speak to thee ? Nay, no word, — no word. There, go ! go ! go ! Bring me some flowers, my heart, That have sweet perfumes. Run ! run ! run ! l^Exit Alexander. SCENE 111.— Enter Herod and Dosithexjs. Her, A letter from Hyrcanus unto Malchus? Malchus ? What should Hyrcanus with this Malchus ? Dos. My liege, I'd have thee read. My tongue rebels : 'Twill not be proxy for disloyal words. Her, Disloyal? Dos. When thou'st read the letter, sire, I think thou wilt agree with me. Her. Disloyal ? He gave it to thee ? Do8, He and Alexandra. Her, Ah ! Alexandra ! Well, I'll read it. So ! An escort to Arabia ! That's well, — Excellent. Ay, I'm very glad to know He's in such gallant health. An escort, sir, Unto Arabia ! He's somewhat aged — HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 361 Think you ? — to look on travelling as a pleasure. I'm glad his health's so good. Dos, Was I right, sire, To bring the letter to thee ? Her, Right, — most right. 'Tis at all times a cheering thing, Dositheus, To know thy wife's grandfather is in health. It cheers me, sir, — it cheers me, verily. I thought he coughed of late. Dos, And so he doth. Her, No matter : he'd ride double with his cough Into Arabia. It cannot, sir. Be very heavy. Come, re-seal this letter. Dos, Seal it? Her, Ay, seal it. And when it is sealed. Bear it, as thou wast told to do, to Malchus. Dos, My liege ? Her, Sir, I have said. Dos, That I this letter Bear to Arabia's governor ? Her, Ay. Dos. Sire, Thou canst not understand its full import. Her, Possibly. Dos, But, my lord, take it to Malchus ? How if he answers it ? Her. Dositheus, It is not how if he will answer it. But, if he answers, how it will be answered. Dos, I think I comprehend thy meaning, sire. Her. Think not, but act. Take thou the fleetest horse From out my stables, and to Malchus, — ho ! To Malchus ere 'tis night ! Dositheus, Be prompt, and thou shalt win a higher place Than even now thou hast in mine esteem. Away to Malchus. Dos. I will ride, my lord. As lover to his maid. Trust me in all. [Exit. Her. [^Looking after him.'] In all but all. This woi-ks to thine advantage : Therefore I trust thoe. Wore Hyrcanus king, Thou shonldst not be the letter-carrier Of Herod, good Dositheus, — no, no, I promise thee I God I how my head burns ! Oh I It is as though my skull wore but a crucible For flam(\s to dauoo in. Ha ! lia ! lui ! That's famous ! A crown6(l oru(;iblo ! I'vo not the kuaok Of fitting big idoas to little words : I'm Herod, — more a ])()om than a poet. l*oets are mad, they say, — loiustwise in Persia ; 362 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Well, I'm in Jewry, and I'm not a poet, Ergo, not mad ; yet I've sometimes bethought me. If the worst madness were not sanity. To be most mad 's to think thyself most sane. But if thou'rt sane and think'st thou mayest be mad ? How then ? Were it not better many times To be unknowing mad ? — honestly raving ? 'Tis not a pleasant task at hush of night To daub upon the canvas of the future Such scenes as thou mayst choose to conjure up When thou shalt have declared a war 'gainst Reason. 'Tis better to dream sleeping than awake. Traitors go mad sometimes, so I have heard, For thinking on their sins ; beggars, they say. Are sometimes starved to madness ; felons, too. Rave in the galleys. I do ofttimes wonder If madness ever seized a king ? Ay, ay, Nebuchadnezzar grazed ; but Balaam's ass Forsook his asshood and adopted speech : It is a serious question which was madder, — The man who took the ass's method, or The ass who took the method of the man. I'll have my chief interpreter take notes Upon that theme, — if Balaam's ass was mad. On his decision hangs a serious question : Nebuchadnezzar's sanity. — What's that ? \_A scream without.'] What's that, I say? JSnter Alexander, running^ pale as death. Alex. Oh, father, father, father ! Her, What is it ? Speak, I say ! Where is thy tongue ? Speak, o' the instant ! Is thy mother Ha ! What o' thy mother? Alex, Mother doth not know. Oh, come with me, — quick, — quick ! Her, What is it, sir ? God ! I will know. Alex. Oh, sir, — I know it's false, — But they have bound my uncle Joseph. Oh ! The cords have cut him so ! They say, moreo'er, 'Tis thy command, and that he must be killed, — His head chopped off. Oh, father, come ! — don't wait ! I know thou'lt come. He kissed me ; and he wept ; He said thou hadst his blessing ; and the blood Was all upon his wrists, and on his robe. And they are cutting off his beard and hair. Oh, come ! come ! come ! Her. Well, boy, why should I come? Alex. Oh, father, please be different ; mock me not, — Mock me not now : afterwards thou mayst tease me HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 3^3 Until my heart is like to burst, but now — Oh, quickly, father, quickly give me leave To have chopped off the heads of those who seized him. Oh, 'twas so pitiful ! He'd just begun to show me how a storm — A sand-storm in the desert — smothered men And camels. Come ! come ! come ! The cord has cut so deep into his wrists ! Come, father ! Her. How if I told thee I had ordered this? Alex, Oh, do not mock ! 'Twill be too late ! Oh, come ! Her. Thy uncle Joseph dies at my command. Alex. Oh, no ! no ! no ! Her. I say he doth. Alex. And I, That thou art mad to say it. Her. Mad ! Alex. Ay, mad ! Oh, father, come ! I kneel. Her. It is too late. Alex. No ! no ! not if thou'lt hurry. Her. I do tell thee It is too late. \^Turns to window. ~\ Ha ! there he is. — Good uncle, Good-even to thee. Bear King Lucifer Word of my everlasting fealty. So ! Up in my arms, boy. Look ! Alex. [Shrieks.'] Oh, uncle ! uncle 1 Speak to him, father ! Oh ! the sword ! the sword ! Make him put up his sword. — We're coming, uncle ! Uncle, we're coming. — Oh, why doth he kneel ? Why doth he bend his neck ? Oh, God ! oh, God ! The blood ! the blood ! the blood ! [Turns suddenly with a vdld gesture.'] Thou'rt not my father ! — Thou art a devil. Devils wear not crowns. There, devil ! [Snatches off his father'* s croivn and flings it oid of the window, then swooyis.] Her. [Dashing him dovm.] Not thy father ? I believe thee. ACT V. SCENE T.— ^ room in Herod's palace. Enter Salome and Chtp-Bearcr. Sal. The king returns to-day. Oup-Bearer, Ay, nmdam. Sal. Well, Art .sure tlion kii()\\(\s|, Ihv pari? 364 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Chip-Bearer, Hear me, and see. Bed. Be quick, then. Soft ! I'll draw this curtain first. Now, quickly. Oup-Bearer. First, then, madam, I'm to wait Till thou send'st for me ; then, on some occasion When the king hath had words more violent Than usual with the queen, I enter in, Hastily, yet with a composed mien, That I may seem assured in every way As to the service I'm about to render. Next I do tell the king Queen Mariamne Hath coaxed me to assist her in the mixture Of a love-potion, all of whose ingredients I do not know ; that this was kept a secret From all but us who brewed it ; that I thought My safest course, both for myself and him, Was to confess it all. Is not that right? Sal Ay, ay. But shouldst thou felter Oup-Bearer. I'll not falter, Trust me, good madam, I have not forgotten The day she had me scourged for making free To pinch the ears of Aristobulus For sprinkling me with water. I'll not shrink. Her servants' whips have sealed me to thy service. Sal. Well, go thy ways till I have need of thee. Go with a usual face : purse not thy brows. Nor look as though thy heart hung on thy ribs A bag o' secrets. Go : some one is coming. Think of the gold that shall be thine. That's well. Now go. — Ha ! it is she herself. Go quickly ! [^Exit Oup-Bearer, Enter Mariamne. Good-morrow, murderess. Mar, Wouldst thou, poor wretch, Raise anger from the dead ? Thy woes, Salome, Make me forbearing. Sal. So they make not me, Proud-nostrilled harlot ! Mar. Darest thou ? Sal, Dare I? God, Help me to laugh ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! Dare I ? Mar, Nay, I forgot, — thou'rt mad. Poor, fond, weak wretch. In seeking my destruction thou hast compassed Thy husband's death. Sal, Wilt thou remind me of it ? Take that ! [Stabs at W.] Mar, [Quietly y holding her by both vrrists,'] Yes, I will take it, verily, But not as thou didst mean that I should take it. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 365 I am as far thy better in my body As in my soul. There ! get thee gone ! — away ! — Ere I am tempted unto what I would not. ni keep thy dagger as a dear memento Of this most gentle scene ; and should my heart Grow soft in thinking of thy grief, my soul Shall profit by the lesson of this steel. Go, woman. SaL Ay, I go, — to come again. [jEM. Mar, Murderess ? Yea, I feel a murderess. Ah, Joseph, had I known, — had I but known, — Torture could not have wrung those words from me. For I'd have wedded dumbness on the rack. God, O God, is this Thy king?— this Herod?— This Mariamne's husband ? — this rage-buffeted And passion-driven slayer of the innocent ? — This king whose humors rule him ? — this fond fool Who wears distemper's motley, and whose crown Is but a badge of sin ? Rather hath not Some devil dispossessed his soul, to reign Over his body's kingdom ? Oh, this is not the man whose bride I was. The king whose queen, the conqueror whose wife ! Ah me ! we women, how have we vexed Love, That he doth scourge us speak we but his name ? 1 will be gentle with her, for the sake Of him who was her husband ; but this dagger Shall keep me ever cautious. Ent&i' Herod. Her, What say you ? Mar, I spoke, sir, with a ghost. Her, Ha? Mar, With a ghost Which was thy handicraft. Her, Woman ! Mar, A ghost That wore a scarlet collar, — one whose head Was plastered on with blood. Her, Away, thou fiond ! Mar. Nay, send me not away : I should much please thee. There is the making of a pretty ghost In me, my lord, and scarlet is my color. Her, Devil ! Mar, Nay, wife to one. Her, [Jbrawimj a r/ar/r/rr.] Jk'gono, I say I Mar. Ay, Htrik(^! Tlioii liast a goiiius, sire, bcliovo mo, For ghost-niakiiig. Siriko! thiMH' is nothing — av, Nothing in all the world would so enchant mo As being made a ghost to haunt thee ! Nay, 366 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Glare not as I already were a ghost. I see thou art not in a loving mood : Therefore I will begone. Great king of ghosts, Good-morrow. [Exit Her. I said that I'd have blood, — I said so, — ay, But there is not enough in all the land To slake my humor's thirst. Oh that I were Another Pharaoh, and another Moses Would turn the Nile to blood a second time. That I might swim through its encrimsoned waves ! Oh that I were a thing of quenchless thirst, A vampire monstrous, flattened at the throat Of one vast body which should be the flesh Incorporate of every thing alive ! Enter Dositheus. Dositheus, Is'tthou? Dos. My liege, the letter. Her. How ? From Malchus ? Dos. From Malchus, sire. Her. That's well ; that's well. Ah ha ! Look here, Dositheus : what think you, man. Of that, — and that, — and that ? He will not only send an escort, sir. To his beloved Hyrcanus, — dost thou mark ? — But will make welcome all whom he may bring. Even all the Jews that may be of his party, And he shall lack for nothing. God of Israel ! There's one thing that he shall not lack for, — death ! Dos. My liege Her, So the good Malchus doth agree ? Dos. My liege Her. I'll show this letter to the Sanhedrim, And he shall straightway suffer to the utmost The law that deals with traitors ! Dos. But, my liege Her. Away ! Send me Hyrcanus and his daughter. Bid them at once attend me. [Exit Dositheus. Would to heaven His withered veins held more of that red fluid Which can alone quench my insatiate thirst ! Such drops as death may wring from his dry body Will but make wet the door-way of a throat That gapes for rivers. Enter Hyrcanus and Alexandra. Thou art come, my lord. I'm glad to see that thou'rt not more infirm. I pray thee, sit. — Sit, madam. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 367 Alex. No, I'll stand. I can breathe better standing. What is it ? Her, Why, sure thou wouldst not hear before thy father, — Thou who art courteous to thy waiting-woman And cry thy needle pardon if thou breakest it ? — Thou'lt sit, sir? Hyr, Yes, I thank thy courtesy, I'm better friends with bed each day I live. Her. Yet thou'rt industrious for an old man, sir, Hyr. Industrious? Her, Ay; thou doest many things Which young men could not better. Hyr. I, my son? Alex. What dost thou mean ? Her. Softly, good mother-in-law : I speak unto thy father. — Good Hyrcanus, Thou hast a talent that I dreamed not of. Hyr. Thou flatterest me, sir. I won a crown From the Athenian senate once ; but, truth, 'Twas long ago. Her. The thing of which I speak Might, sir, have won thee back the crown of Jewry, Had it succeeded. Alex. What? Her. I speak, my friend, Of this thy unsuspected talent Alex. Well? Her. Of letter- writing. [^8hows him the letter.'] I assure thee, sir, I could not trace — upon my honor, sir — Characters clearer or more shapely. Hyr. Daughter, It is some jest, is't not ? Pray you, inform me ; I never had the trick o' jest-catching. Alex. Father, come with me. Ay, it is a jest, — It is a jest. Come, father ; come, Hyrciuius. Her. Stay, both of ye ! Stir not a step ! — A jest ? A jest to make hell merry ! What I wouldst feign ignorance, thou damned traitress ? — Thou, sir, dost thou in truth dare to j^rotend Thou dost not recognize this letter? — this, — The one thou sent'st unto Arabia's governor, — To Malchus? Ha ! I touch thee ! Good my lord. This Malchus is an honest friend o' thine. Look I he will send thee escort. Look ! thy party, Even such Jews as thou mayest take with tJuv, Will be provided for. Look here, — and iiere ! Thou shalt not want for aught. Oh, would to heaven That I had such a friend ! — that (his same Malchus Vol. XLII.— L>1 368 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. "Were Herod\s friend [Alexandra sinks half fainting into a chair], — What, madam, wilt thou sit, Now that thy father stands ? It is not seemly. Up on thy feet : thou canst breathe better so. [^Laughing^ Methinks thou shouldst thank God with all thy breath That thou dost breathe at all ! Alex, It was my fault : Lay all the blame on me, — on me. Her, Attend. This is thy father's signature, is't not ? Alex. I teased him to it. Oh, if any suffers, It should be I ! Hyr. Nay? iiay, thou must not suffer : It was my fault to let thee bring me to it. I am old, Herod, but not yet so old As to have outlived courage. Weep not, daughter ; I'll bear the fullest consequence; — weep not: Would I could weep ! Her, Thou shalt, and tears of blood.— Without, there, ho ! [Eater Attendants,'] Lead forth this man straightway Unto the palace prison, and send Sohemus Unto me in my closet. Alex. Thinkest thou, Herod, While Alexandra still is Alexandra, Her father shall be fingered by a slave ? — Thou knave, thou durst not touch him. — Father, come ; Come with me, — ^so. — Thou, sirrah, lead the way. — Good father, lean on me. Hyr. I'm very old ; Death hath been close to me for many years. I am not frightened. Hath he naught to say ? — Naught of his reasons ? Jdex. He hath none to speak of. Come, come, come, come. Hyr, Well, I am old, and death is like a friend Who comes disguised as an enemy. Think'st thou he'll let me speak to Mariamne And to her pretty boys ? Alex. Ay, ay. Come on. Hyr, Her boys are like her, but one hath his eyes. AVell, well, I've lived to be so old that death — Even death will not seem new to me. Lead on. — Farewell, Antipater. [ExemiU Her. That's over. Would it were to do again ! Her face — ha ! ha ! — her face was sure the servant Of a most furious soul. I can believe it, — That 'twas her plot ; yet he must die for it. And who can say Antipater is cruel When he doth give another that one thing HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 369 Which he desires, — a swift and sudden death ? What's cruelty ? A tree whose roots split hell, Whose crest disturbs the stars. Methinks my star Hath long since been a cinder, and its fire Is all here in my brain. Do men go mad ^ For dreading madness ? [^Eiiter Mariamne.] Ha ! What wouldst thou ? Mar, Madman ! Is this thing true ? Her, Why dost thou call me madman ? I am not mad. Mar, Is this thing true, I say ? Hast thou given orders that he be imprisoned ? — Hyrcanus ? Her, Wherefore didst thou call me madman ? Thou never calPdst me so till now. Mar. Till now Thou ne'er wast mad. Give answer to my question. Hast sent Hyrcanus unto prison ? Her, Ay. Mar, Thou hast? — O God, where is Thy justice? Her, Look you, Why said you I was mad ? I am not so. Was I e'er calmer ? Mar, Thou hast sent Hyrcanus To prison, under charge of treachery ? — Hyrcanus, — he who was a king in all To make thee seem his sceptre's shadow ! Her, Now — Why, now, now, now — look now how calm I am ! Seem I a madman ? Mar, — He who is still king By every right which cries thee wrong I — a man To make thy memory a woman, — one Beside whom thou dost show as black-ribbed clouds Against an evening sun ! Thou send Hyrcanus To prison ? Thou ? Thou,— Herod ? Now let Satan Send God to hell that he may rule in heaven ! What ! he in prison at thy order ? — he Who even with sin dealt ever holily, — He whose white hair the very winds did reverence, — He unto whom thy every dignity Thou owest, — thy wealth, thy crown, thy throne, thy sceptre, That very power which now doth wrong him I Oh, Let me believe thee mad, ere that thy reason Cried " Amen" to this deed ! Her, He is a traitor. Mar, And what art thou? thou who usurped his throne, Who filched his crown, who stole away his swptre, Who hath his grandchild called adulteroiis? 370 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Ay, what art thou,— thou, sir, whose name is Herod, Whose heart is hell condensed ? HefT, Thou say est, a madman. Mar. No ! no ! thou art not mad ! Look not like that. ' When thou didst order him to prison, then, — Then wast thou mad. Not now ; not now. Her. I am not ? Mar, No, no, I tell thee. What dost stare at? Come, Thou didst not mean it : I am sure o' that. Look ! I'll forget my wrongs, — all, all, all, all, — So thou dost not wrong him. Her. Why, it were madness To set hifla free. I would not give the people So good a cause to say that I am mad. Mar. They could not have a better cause than this That now they have in his imprisonment. What ! will the foulest beggar in the streets Think that in sanity thou wouldst imprison A gentle, fond, feeble, retired old man For treachery ? Nay, but believe me, Herod, Thou'st ta'en the surest way to prove thy madness. Her. Say it no more. Mar. Say what ? That thou art mad ? Then give me no more cause to say it. See ! I've forgot all but what should be remembered, — That I am Mariamne and thy wife, \ Thy queen, the mother of thy sons. Take me, And set Hyrcanus free ! Her. What ! wilt thou kiss me ? Mar. Yes. Her. What ! be as my wife again ? Mar, Yes, — ^yes ! All that I was, and more, I will be, Herod, So thou dost set him free. Her, Wilt love me too ? Mar, I will be all to thee that thou couldst wish. Her. Save loving? Mar. If thou dost find fault with me, Send me to prison in Hyrcanus' stead. Her. Then thou'lt not swear to love me ? Mar. Oh, my lord. What deed could better merit love than this one I'd have thee do ? As thou'lt some day be old. Think on his age, and do him reverence. Her. Nay, I am not old, and think of thee each moment. Is that the way to calmness? Mar. What's his crime ? Or who hath slandered him ? His innocence I'll prove sire, with my life. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 371 Her, [Handing her Malchush letter^ Not with thy love ? Read that. The governor's reply is here, On this side, — here. Mar, \_Reading.'] Would go to Asphaltites And to Arabia. Would have an escort, He and my mother. Signed Hyrcanus. — Well, What's there of treachery ? I see no harm here. Her. No harm ? Thou seest no harm in it? No harm ! No harm ! No harm ! But soft ! soft ! soft ! Read on. Read Malchus' answer. Mar. Escort granted them ; All done in's power to aid them ; shelter promised Unto his party. — Well ? Her. No,— ill, by God ! Give me the papers : thou wilt tear them, girl. We'll see if that the Sanhedrim thinks with thee. No harm ! \_Laughing.'] 'Tis harm to think there is no harm. Mar. Thou canst not purpose to submit those letters Unto the Sanhedrim ? Her. It is my purpose, — This very moment. Mar. Herod, hear me ! — Look ! Look on me ! Look, my lord ! — I kneel ; I kneel. Am I less fair than when thou loved'st me ? Her. Wilt swear to love me now? Mar. All that a wife Should be I will be. Her. All save loving. Ay, Thou dost not love me, and he shall not live To take the love that should be mine ! Mar. Nay, hear me ! Her. No more ! no more ! [Enter Cup-Bearer.'] Ha, skive ! what dost thou there? Chip-Bearer. My lord, I come on most important mattei's. Her. Important matters ? Wliom da they concern ? Hyrcanus ? Oup-Bearer. No ; the queen. Her. The queen ? What queen ? — - Queen Mariamne ? Well ? Oup-Bearer. Yesterday noon, Your majesty, iha queen did come to me And ask tliat I would help her brew a potion — A love-drink — for your niajcsty. Ik'intj^ won By much fine gold, 1 , (hero, my |)rin(v, thou shall not. 376 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. Why, how thou tremblest ! Look, I am to die, And yet I tremble not. Alex, IM rather die Ten thousand thousand times than see thee killed. But then he cannot kill thee, — he cannot. He is a devil, but he could not kill thee. Say that he could not, mother, — mother, say it ! Oh, I did love him so ! I loved him so ! And now, whenever I do think of him. There is a shining redness comes between us — Faugh ! — and a smell of blood, — a thick, wet red, — . A damp, fresh, sickening, faint, far-reaching smell ! Oh, uncle ! uncle ! iSyr, So ! poor boy ! poor boy ! And I must die ? Mar, Would I could die for thee ! — Who's there? Enter Attendant and Herald. Herald, Hyrcanus, thou art summoned To come straightway before the Sanhedrim. Hyr. Then kiss me, pretty ones. Come close to me. Nay, daughter, do not weep. Come, Mariamne. Kneel for my blessing, — all of ye ; kneel there, Where I can touch ye. Nay, come closer yet. The God of Israel forever keep ye. As I would keep ye, were I IsraePs God, — Forever love, bless, guard, and cherish ye. Don't weep ; don't weep ! I can no more, my heart. Unloose this bracelet, — I have missed the clasp, — Wear it, and think sometimes of him who wore it. This for thee, boy, — and this for thee, — and this For thee, my daughter ; all that's left, for Death. Don't tremble, Alexander ! this poor body Hath not sufficient blood to fill a goblet To Herod's health. Farewell, — farewell, — farewell ! [Alexandra swoons. What, daughter ! wilt thou go before me ? Why, It is not like thee so to lack in deference. — Look to her, sweet, and if in truth she's dead. See that she be entombed with me. Farewell, — Farewell, — farewell ! Why, I am young again. To think how soon I will be quit of age. Lead on. Hyrcanus is once more a king. And goes to meet King Death as equal ! \_ExeurU Hyrcanus and Attendant, Mar, Father ? Nay, let me not disturb him. Come, my boys, Let's to thy father, — let's unto thy father With this sweet news. Let's to him with our thanks. HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 377 Let's take him kisses, — ha ! ha ! ha ! — such kisses ! Let's fall upon our knees to honor him. Was ever such a father ? Come, let's hurry ! Let's kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss him ! Run ! run ! run ! [Exity running, leading her two boys by eiilier hand. SCENE III. — A room in the palace. Enter Herod and Salome. Her. Thou canst not swear that it was poisoned ? Sal. No ; But can there be a doubt ? . Her. Ha ! Sal. I repeat it, Can there be any doubt ? She knows too well That thou art but her fancy's slave, her toy, To brew thee merely love-potions. Her. Her slave ? I'll make thee slave to her ! So ? I a slave ! Thou hast a daring bent o' mind ? Look thou ! Unless thou prove this love-brew poisonous. Thou shalt in prison rot. As I am Herod, I do believe thou'st lied from first to last Concerning this affair and all that's touched it. Thou art a most accomplished liar. Prove it. Or I will make her ten times queen again. And brand the hideous story of thy falseness With red-hot irons on thy naked flesh. Then have thee whipped through every street and by-way Of all the towns in Jewry, that all men May read of it ! Away, and bring me proof. Or look for death in agony unequalled ! [^Exit Salome. What if I've been deceived in everything From then till now ? Enter Mariamne and boys. What! Mariamne? Mar. Ay. Who looks like Mariamne, save herself? And these, sir, are her sons. She comes to thank thee — She and her sons — for thy last kindness tt') tiiem. Her. Wilt thou not sit? Here is a chair. Mar. Nay, Herod, I'd liave mine eyes at level with thine own ; And loving thanks are better prolferetl standing. Hit. Wiiy so? Mar. 'Tis hard to give thnnks graciously. Her. Not when 'tis l\rarininiie thanking IlonKl. Mar, More then (han over. Her, Sav'st thou ? 378 HEROD AND MARIAMNE, . Mar, Ay, my lord, — More then than ever. Her, Why, right well thou knowest I'm always thankful to be thanked by thee. Come, kiss me. For what wouldst thou thank me ? Mar, For Hyrcanus' death ! Nay, kiss me ! I am sister To Aristobulus. Nay, wilt not kiss me ? Thy treasurer Joseph loved me. Nay, now kiss me. I am the grandchild of Hyrcanus ! Her, What ! what ! wilt thou dare ? Mar, Then thou'lt not kiss me? Haply I am not looking fair enough to-day ? I'll have a robe dyed in Hyrcanus' blood. And 'broidered richly with the hair of Joseph And Aristobulus, to wear withal When I would please thee. Come, a kiss, — a kiss. Her, Devil ! Mar, Or, if that will not pleasure thee, I'll make a feast for thee, and in thine honor These thy two sons I'll have served up, with blood For wine. Her, Devil, I say ! Mar, Or, if that dish Were something coarse for such a mighty king. Their hearts alone I'd offer thee. Her, God's heart ! Dost think I'll let thee live to mock me ? Mar, No : Killing's thy forte. I pray thee send me, sir, To Aristobulus, and Joseph, and Hyrcanus. Haply thou hast some tender message, sir. That I could bear them ? 'Tis the only errand On which for thee I would go willingly. Come, send me, — send me. Her, Can a man bear this And not go mad ? Mar, Mad ? Oh, no, thou'rt not mad. I'm mad, the time is mad, earth, sea, heaven, hell. The past, the future, — but not Herod ! No ! He'll stand a monument to sanity When for some excellent reason he hath slain Everything save his reason ! Her, God in heaven ! Mar, Nay, God is not in heaven ! If He were there, Herod would not be here ! He travels, sir ; There's a rebellion on some distant star. And He hath gone to quell it. Ay, in heaven Thou know'st but these three souls, Hyrcanus, Joseph, HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 379 And Aristobulus. Cry out to them ! Cry out to them ! cry out to them ! Her, Thou darest? Woman ! Mar, Ay, — to my woe. The wife of Herod Should have by justice been a dragoness, Giving birth to monsters that had murdered him, Not unto men for him to murder. Her, Curse thee ! Mar, Curse me, didst say ? — curse me ? Now, as I live, May everything that hath on every world Since the creation, died, be resurrected To curse thee with a separate curse ! Oh, demon, Thou'st found the core of sin and eaten it. What ! thou wouldst curse me ? Am I not accursed Sufficiently in having been thy wife? Didst thou not curse me with a curse complete When thou didst make me mother of thy sons ? Be thou accursed, Herod, ay, accursed. Beyond thy utmost knowledge of a curse. Forget that I once loved thee. Eecollect My hatred only. Thirst, thou shalt have blood. And blood alone, to quench thy torment. Hunger, Thou shalt not eat, but be thyself devoured. Cry out to heaven, and thy prayers rebounding Shall hurl thee into hell ; while death to thee Shall be one dream of life most horrible ! Her, Oh, God ! Mar, Ay, tremble ; for He hears not thee, While Mariamne^s curse is registered ! [^Exit Her, What ! Mariamne ! Mariamne ! Mariamne ! Return ! Thou canst not hate me ! No ! no ! no ! That's to be mad, — to say that Mariamne Hates Herod. And I am not mad. I dreamed. Then I am dead ! She said that I would dream Of life in death. Who said so? Mariamne? No, — one who looked like her. Yet there is none — Not one who looks like her, saving herself. She said that, too. Her eyes ! her eyes ! her eyes ! They were two fires ; they burned into my lieart's core. Nay, but my heart's a fire. My iioart? What heart? I gave my heart to Mariamne, — yea, And she fed anger on it. Well, I'm glad, I'm glad, in spite of all, that I'm not mad; Else might 1 think all this had rwilly happened ; And now I know I'm dreaming. Enter Salomk. (lood Salome, Wake me, I pray you. [/l.s7Jr] Diit that's loolish : ay, 380 HEROD AND MARIAMNE. She's part and parcel of my dream. — Good sister, How come you in my dream ? Sal. What ! art thou mad ? Hefr, No, — dreaming. 8aL Why, that's madness on occasion. Up ! Rouse ye ! rouse ye ! Here's the potion. — Look I Her, Is 't poisonous ? Sal Ay. Her, Then give it me. Sal. For what? Her, To drink. Sal, Go to ! Why, thou art mad in verity. Her. Would that I were ! Sal, I say thou art. Her, Then once Thou bringest me welcome tidings. Sal. Brother. Her. Well? Sal. What is the matter ? Her, Why, I'm mad, I hope. Thou saidst that I was mad, but then, good sooth. Thou art a famous liar lied about. But look thou, there's a something in me, jade. That whispers madmen may go madder. Sal, Sir, Rouse ye. Look here : this is the love-potion That Mariamne brewed to kill thee. Her, Ah! Sal, If it be not a poison, I implore That thou wilt torture me for pastime. Her. How ! — To kill me? Sal, Ay : who else ? Wake up ! wake up ! Her. Why, now, that's right. That is as I would have it. I would not longer sleep. Sal. Then rouse ye ! Here, Take 't in thy hand. There in thy palm thou boldest What might have been thy death. Her. Poison, thou sayest ? Sal, Ay, ay. Her, And brewed by Mariamne ? Sal, Ay. Her, By Mariamne for King Herod ? Sal. Ay. All this thou knowest. Why wilt question me? It is for thee to prove if I speak truth. Her. And I will prove thee, monster ! Ay, by heaven I The dream is past, and Herod is awake. To sleep no more ! — Without, there ! HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 381 Enter Attendant. Send me straightway A slave from oat the workers in the vineyard. Thou shalt be proved. Fear not : thou shalt be proved, — In all, — in all. But then I am not mad, If this is not a dream. — So ! thou art come ? Enter Attendant and Slave, Salome, here's thy proof, — a pretty proof. — What is thy age ? Boy, A score of years, my lord. Her, Dost thou hate life ? Boy. No, sire. Why should I hate it ? I'm very happy. Her, Were 't not better, boy, That thou shouldst part with it ere thou dost hate it ? Give me thy answer. Boy, I know not, my lord. Her, I know, and will decide for thee. Drink this. Boy. \I)rinks.^ Unto thy health, sire. Her, Ha ! Boy, Oh, God ! what's this?— — Water, I pray you. \^Dics, Her, Thou art proved, Salome : — Salome, thou art proved ! I will believe thee Though thou shouldst say thou never wast a liar ! Almost a merry death this would have been. It scarce had loosed my crown or stirred my sceptre. Look how he's stretched, — as easily, I wager. As were he sleeping in the vineyard sunlight. I am not sorry that he's dead. No ! no ! He might have lived to be a Herod. Ay, He might have lived to have a wife. Sal. Come, rouse thee ! Wilt thou hang thus above a dead slave's body ? Away ! Her, For what ? Sal. For vengeance ! Dost thou ask mo, And that thou mightst have been, there at thy foot? Away ! to bring the would-be murderess To justice. Her, No ! let ju.sti(5C go to her ! I will not see her more, though wo should live A million years witliiu our voices' sound ! Sal, Live ! dost thou speak of life as possible Unto that demon ? — one who never lovoil thee ? — Who made thy love a moans unto hor ends? — A traitress? — an adultoross? — Ay, tliou'st said it! Almost a murderess, ((uito one in heart? — She who seduced thy sister's huslnuul? — she 382 HEROD AND MARTAMNE. Her, Enough ! enough ! thou hast named crimes sufficient To make thyself seem holy in comparison ! Sal. Sir! Her, Oh, be satisfied ; be satisfied : She shall not live. Sal, Now thou art Herod ! Her, No, Now I'm a madman ! \Exit, laughing, Sal, And now I have conquered ! She is already 'prisoned, and I'll follow, To see that she doth soon meet death ! [Exit, SCENE IV. — A dungeon. Makiamne chained. Two guards^ talking. 1st Guard, She hath not said a word since I have watched her, Nor moved. I have not seen her weep, — not once. 2d Guard. Believe you all that's said of her ? 1st Guard. Not I. 2d Guard. In thine ear, friend : I do suspect foul play. 1st Guard. Most like. Here comes the sister of the king. Enter Salome. Sal. Slaves, where's the prisoner ? 1st Guard. There, madam. Sal. Ah ! Good-morrow, madam. I do trust your queenship Is in all things provided for ? Not so ? What ! sulky ? Fie ! fie ! fie ! knit not thy brows. I fear thou hast a temper, gentle queen. A queen should not indulge in mortal passions. And, by the way, if any ill befall thee, I know 'twill comfort thee to think thy sons, — Thy pretty sons, — Prince Aristobulus, — The one who trod upon my robe, — rememberest ? — And Alexander, — he who less resembles My husband Joseph, — that into my charge They will be given. Ha ! have I touched thee, harlot? What ! No word yet ? Well, thy blood speaks for thee : It ne'er leaped readier to Herod's kisses Than it doth to the words of Herod's sister. Be honest, now : why didst thou lure my husband From loyalty to me and to the king ? 'Twas madness. Ay, thou mightst have known I'd trace it. Come, now ; speak. Tell me. Didst thou truly love him. Or was 't mere wantonness ? Nay, do not die. Of rage, before thy time, — thy time's so near, Ha ! ha ! so near, — so near. Well, of thy sons I'll promise thee one thing. Mar, What? Sal, Ah ! thou speakest ! HEROD AND MARIAMNE. 383 Thou art not dumb, as I began to fear ? I'll promise thee one thing, — but one, though. Mar, Well, What is it? Sal, Patience! patience! Mar, What is it? Sal. I will not cuff them more than twice a day. Ha ! ha ! ha I ha ! Have care, — have care, good girl ! Thou'lt die, if thou so giv'st thy fury vent. Mar, Joseph ! Joseph ! Joseph ! rise from thy grave And blast this devil with thy festering horror ! Leap to her arms all headless as thou art, And venge my wrongs : I, Mariamne, summon thee. Who was and am the Queen of Jewry ! Sal Fiend ! Mar. [Brealdng loose and seizing Salome.] O God ! Make me the tool to venge his murder ! Off, cords ! Be brittle as all joy ! Off ! off !— Ha ! wilt speak more of cuffing ? Sal. Help, there! ho! The queen is mad ! Help ! help ! The queen is mad ! Mar. One other cry, and thou shalt stand straightway Face unto face with thy wronged husband's ghost. Ay, presently I mean to send thee to him, No matter what thou doest. Dost thou hear me ? First cry me pardon, though, — pardon, dost hear ? — And then to bloody Joseph ! Sal, Hold thy hands ! Thou'rt choking me. Mar, Presently, — but not yet. My pardon. Sal. Thou art mad ! Well, pardon, — pardon. Now let me go. Mar. [Stabbing her.'] Ay, unto Joseph ! So ! Know'st thou this dagger ? I return it to thee ! Sal, [Swoons.] Oh ! I am killed ! Enter Guards. Ist Guard. Oh, heaven! what's this? 2c? Guard. We will he put to death. Mark how she bleeds. 1st Guard. Softly ! she is but wounde