f LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.? ^ r .Jx f If^^^'' |opnn,htfa | I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. J MARIA MNE BEING THE THIRD OF THE TRAGEDIES OF JEWISH AND BIBLICAL HISTORY AND THE SECOND IN CONTINUATION OF VOLUME VI OF THE DRAMATIC SERIES I/AUGHTON OSBORN NEW YORK J Henky L. Hinton, 744 Broadwat M nccc Lxxm Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by LAUGHTON ORBOEN, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. MARIAMNE MDOCCLXX CHAKACTERS, Etc. Herod, King of Judea. Joseph, his uncle, Salome's husband. Aeistoboulos, Mariamne's brother, High-priest. Antipater, Herod's son by Doris. Alexander, > ^^ „ , ,, . > Herod s sons by Manamne. Akistoboulos, j Hykcanus, Mariainne^s grandfather, formerly High-priest and Mhnarch under Ccesar. Simeon, a prominent member of the Sanhedrim. Saebion, an adherent of Alexandra's. ^sop, one of Alexandra's household. Maeiamne, Herod's favorite wife. Alexandra, her mother, widow of Alexander, son of Aristo- boulos King, and daughter of Hyrcanus. Salome, Herod's sister. Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Doris, Herod's first loife. Two of Herod's train. Guards with their Captain. Officers of the King's household. Members of the Sanhedrim. Scene. In Act I., in and near Alexandra's house at Jericho. In the remaining Acts, in the King's House at Jerusalem. MAEIAMNE Act the First Scene. A room in the house of Alexandra, at Jericho. Herod. Sabbion. Her. Hast thou made sure the horsemen be arriv'd ? Sal). Sent by the Queen of Egypt ? Yea, O King. I found them on the sea shore, ' stretch'd at ease On the warm sand, the while their steeds take food, Waiting the coffins Her. With their living dead. And are these truly here ? Sab. Since twilight here. Would the King see them ? Her. No. It was a wile Worthy of Cleopatra and of her Who matches her, if not in subtle craft 1G8 MAKIAMNE Yet in industrious malice, and in intrigue Kestless as her ambition, which sleeps not, Or with half-open eyes, — of her, I mean, My spouse's mother and, to my aggrief, The grandchild of a king. How took the dame The news of my arrival ? Sab. As one hears A thunderclap, while yet the distant clouds Have given no warning. I had some ado To keep her shaft to the bowstring, urging flight While means were in procinct ; that, if pursu'd, The royal train was scanty, nor could cope With the Galatians.2 Her. In her woman's mind. Which brooks not disappointment, the lis'd will Would do more than thy urgence. Sai. But my haste To warn her of thy coming, the belief That I, her friend, was still among the foes Of Herod King, did more to waken trust In my close promptings ; which took added force. That I had caught the secret unawares No man was told but ^sop.^ He?'. It is well, O Sabbion, nor against thee shall the past Be once remember'd. Thougli thou hadst taken part, As thou reneg'st, in my great father's death,* Yet for thy love-deed to the son even that Should be as it were bury'd. But this boy, ACT I. sc. 1. 169 Whom for her sake, — for quiet, I would say, — I lifted to the seat that was her sire's,^ Seest thou, I shall have trouble while he lives. Had she made good her flight, hadst thou, my friend, (Thou shalt have royal guerdon,) been less prompt. Or I been distant farther 'Tis a thouglit Grim as a nightmare : now 'tis shaken off, I dread to sleep again. Is this to be ? Shall my mind know no slumber, but the hand Of Alexandra must press on ray breast And her boy's fingers seem to loose the knot That ties my diadem? Thou didst note of late How, at the Feast of Tents, the people gaz'd On the lad's beauty and his kinglike mien. Where in Iiis gold and purple, bell'd and boss'd, With tire like Aaron's, at the vail he stood, Awful yet youthful. I have heard men sigh'd, Comparing him with me, and wish'd the plate That glitter'd on his frontlet were a crown That should replace my fillet. Sal). They were men To set boy David, dancing round the Ark, Before the might and majesty of Saul. Eer. Thou flatterest, but thou soothest not. I am told, _ They prated of his foresires and their deeds Achiev'd for Israel, and how little meet It was a new stock should supplant the old That grew so glorious. Sal. Is it fifty years, 170 MARIAMNE (Bear my correction !) siuce that boasted stock, Propp'd on the glory by Matthias won And his five sons in battle, after stain'd By tyrant and by kindred blood, reach'd up, Through him who starv'd his mother and took off By murderous hands his brother,® reach'd and snatch'd Through him, the monarch of a year, that band This boy of the same name will never wear, And which his father wore not? Scarcely more Than twice that time has pass'd since those brave men, Sprung with their sire from a village priest,' Became tlie lords by valor of this realm. AVhat had they, or in prowess or in birth, Or in the skill to govern, or in deeds That make illustrious and extend a realm, That wants my lord the King, that not his sire Might boast of, whom great Julius rated well, That judge of valiant men ? Her. Again I say, Thou flatterest me, but soothest not. Thou art shrewd And talkest wisely, but thou hast no skill To read the people. Fickle, fond of change From envy of success and hate of power. The past to them is glorious, and the yoke Lighter that has been borne than that they bear. Though they have put it on, themselves, and dragg'd "With emulous necks the car of triumph. Perch Each day a victory on my helm ; to cross. And prison, and the soldier's sword, through me. ACT I. SC. 1. 171 Give all the robbers tliat e'er hauuted cave,* And make the land from Dan to Beersbeba Secure from pillage or the spoil of war, I should not give content. The Maccabees Glow in the distant heaven and loom large. The old Hjrcanus with his earless head* Recalls his great precursor," and the boy Whose downy lips his daughter would have tempt Rome's great triumvir," even in his name Carries a magic which sheds no like spell On mine. Sab. With pardon of my lord, the spell Is in his name itself, which mighty deeds Have circled with a glory whose broad rays Dazzle the world even now, and after time Shall lighten, through its records, making known The first crown'd Herod as the Herod Great. ffer. Ah, might that be! But to ensure that name I must have scope for action, nor my mark Be cross'd by rivals, or made dim by mists Of household quarrel. Cleopatra's nod Is all but absolute with Antonius. Get The boy beneath her wing I almost wish That burial-project had been carry'd out. They might have stifled, the intriguing pair. In their false coffins, and their fate had seem'd Just punishment for them, reward for me. Sab. 'Tis not too late, my lord. The cloths drawn close Over the mummy-cases 172 MAKIAMNE Her. No, no, friend ! It might be said I will'd it, I being here. Then, what is Alexandra ? Not in her My peril lietb, though by her made more nigh. Take from her hands her instrument, the boy. \Fauscs. That suiFocation must be easy death, 'Tis very warm to-night, has been all day. My train is dusty and will seek to bathe. How are the ponds about here ? very deep ? Sab. Enough to swim in. Her. So enough to drown. Be very careful therefore, if the boy Should take to the water, lest he meet mishap. I might be censur'd. Sab. Means my lord to go ? Her. 'Tis likely I may stroll there, for the sport, To see it merely, and the boy with me. Should he go in, thou wilt have care, my friend, Both for his mother's sake and for my own. He hath rul'd as high-priest only for a year. Was not his foresire of the name a king For the same time ? That hath an ugly look. Give heed, then, wilt thou, Sabbion ? Sal). Be thou sure I shall have heed, O Kiug, to thy desire. Her. "What shall I do for thee ? Go now to her, To the boy's mother. I would take them both Even in the act. So manage to that end. ACT I. sc. 1. 173 Sah. My lord, on his part, will not fail to cliide And rate me in their presence ? Eer. 'Tis well thought, I must make much of thee. I had in view, To give now as an earnest of good will, For thy mere present ease, till I could place Thy merits in fit station,— for thou art wise,— Ten talents, Sabbion, See, on my return, Thou gettest twenty. Sab. O my lord the King, Thou art too bountiful.^^ Her: Not to prov'd desert. That Shalt thou find. I would my means were more : But the old sepulchre gives not again Its treasures to the explorer, and the greed Of my wife's foresire left me nought to glean." Sal. My lord's soul is too large for this cramp'd realm. He should have Syria, and the Egyptian crook Might well yield to a straighter sceptre." Re7\ Hush; Thou stepp'st on dangerous ground. All yet may be. Nor is Arabia far. Where Herod wins, 'Tis known he has memory both for friend and foe. [Exit Sallion, Herod looUng after Mm, as the Scene cTianges. 174 MABIAMNE Scene II. A vaulted chamber of the hasement^ lighted dimly hy a hanging lamp. Above on the rights a low and narrow arched door. Near the door., resting on low trestles, between two columns, what appear to be two burial-eases, covered with a sort 0/ pall. Alexandra, Aeistoboulos. Aris. Abandon it at once, O mother. The risk Is certain, and tlie gain Ala. More than thou think'st. Tlie queen hates Herod. — Aris. But she loves not me. Ala. But little haply. Yet with that sweet face And lordly carriage thou mightst move her heart More than Antouius. Aris. That would profit much, "When 'tis through him alone we hope for good, Through Cleopatra's aidance! To my mind, — And so my grandsire thinks, — we are but tools In the Egyptian's hand, to carve the work Shall satisfy ambition or her greed. Set me against the King, we both go down, — At least she hopes so. I would rather stay. ACT I. sc. 2. 175 Content witli my liigli office. Ala. For how long? Thou art too like thy graadsh-e. His soft soul Cost him a kingdom. It may cost him more ; For neither he nor thou art truly safe "While Herod Hush ! 'Tis Sabbion who comes. Enter, hy tlie door., Sabbion. "Where is the King ? I would I knew the wretch That let him in my secret ! Sah. It is like He knows it not. Convenience or caprice Has hasten'd his arrival by a day. He rests him now from travel. Be ye prompt To profit by the interval. While move Thou and the High-priest, I shall pretext find After his waking Here is ^sop now. Enter, hy the door, -^SOP. "Will it not please thee and the prince thy son To take your places? [his hand on the pall. Ala. 'Tis a frightful way To journey. Aris. And appears like mocking God. Ala. The bearers are prepar'd ? yEs. They wait without. Ala. And know not what their service ? 176 MAEIAMKE ^s. Nothing more Than I was bid to tell them. Ala. And of risk Of stifling in the coffins there is none ? Sah. [lifting the pall. See for thyself : on every side is vent. Not Moses in his water-box was safer. Ala. {going to the coffins. Then, in the name of Moses' God Thou first, My son. Aris. No, mother let me aid thee. ^s. [m alarm and looTcing at the entrance. Hist ! "We are betray'd. Enter Herod slowly past jEsop^ who disappears through the door. Her. No haply, but surpris'd ; What hast thou there, hostess, 'neath that pall ? [Lifts it. These are well-padded coffins, and ye both Are cloth'd as if for travel. Surely not In such a vehicle my spouse's dam. And her high-priestly brother meant to ride — To Misre, was it ? now too I am come, Expecting to be feasted? And this man, "Who is of your friends, hath he advis'd this step ? And with wluit purpose? ACT I. SC. 2. 177 A la. O, forgive us all ! Her. There is then something to forgive ? I came By accident, having wander'd out alone, And found eight slaves in the dark group'd round a bier Outside the door, and, curious to behold "Who might be dead, pass'd in, to find the living. What has been done ? What would ye do by this? If ye would have me really to forgive, Tell what should make it needful. No. \_To Ala. Speak thou, Aristoboulos. Thou hast at the least The ingenuousness of youth, and art a man. Aris. Shall I speak, mother? Ala. If thou wilt, O son, And the King orders. Aris. It hath irk'd her much, And hurt our pride, O Herod, that she lives Pi'ison'd, as 't were, by thee, and under watch Of all her movements. Thus my mother wrote Plaining to Cleopatra, who advis'd Escape to Egypt. Hence this means uncouth To carry us to the seaside, v/here a troop Of the queen's guard await us. Her. And shall wait Till they be weary. What ! wast thou so dull O' the sudden, O Alexandra, not to solve What is no sphinx's riddle, though made up Where sleeps Diospolis ? The Memphian snake Would wind her folds around thy son and me, 178 MARIAMNE Hating us both, who stop her from her prey, Which is Judea. — Ayis. So my grandsire says. ITer. So all may see. Who put thee up to this, Who art not blind, O woman ? Was it he, Thy friend here present, hid the serpent's slime? Ala. No, he is innocent, save to warn us now That thou wast come. ffe?'. 'Tis well. I had sent him else To carry his tongue to Memnon in his hand. But thou ! art thou bent upon thy ruin, woman ? Think'st thou beneath the shadow of Eome's power To warmthis tender sapling to a tree ? That, where my full grown stock takes up the soil ? Here cannot reign two kings, and when they strive The weaker must go under. Measure both ; Then looking on yon coffins, think of one That yet may be, a grander case indeed For the unsightly jewel of dead life, And carried with more pomp of public state, But not less narrow. Ala. my lord the King, Judge me not harshly, for myself, or son, For whom I crave not civil rank, content With the high place, the highest next thy own, Wherein thou didst instate him. Doth my lord Forget that Mariamne is my child, Best-lov'd of all his wives, the mother too Of two fair sons by thee ? Have I less dear ACT. I. sc. 2. 179 Eer interest and tLeirs, thau of my sou, Evcu were Le made to rule, which he is not? Not his the metal whereof kings are cast. Gentle, inactive, easily made to bend To his atfections and to others' will, • As did and doth my sire, he would, like him, Exchange the palace for the high-priest's house Were they both his to choose. Her. That facile mood Itself is dangerous. Let yon cotfers speak. Ala. My lord, thou hast heard him. What he said is true. It irks me, and irk'd him, that I should be Kept under such restraint. But more than this, I doubted, even because I was restrain'd. The King's good- will to me, and doubt grew dread, And Be not angry ! Her. Seem I in such mood ? Ala. My lord is gracious. At his feet this night His slave shall bask her in his smiles, nor miss The absent sun-light. Her. Why not at my side ? Art thou not Alexandra ? Burn those toys : Unless thou 'Idst rather send them as they are To Cleopatra. 'T were a goodly jest To strangle and pack ^sop up in one. And the Egyptian go-between in the other. Shorn of his head and hands, to thank the queen Silently for her lesson. A la. O no, no ; 180 MAEIAMNE Let the King's mercy be not less than full. Her. TTell, I am in a liappy mood to-night, And all men shall be glad. But burn that trash, And in its ashes let all memory sink Of its meant use. Ala. So shall the King be bless'd. Let now his servant go and bid be made Rejoicing for his coming; though more soon Than looked for, something in the way of feast May yet be had. Her. Do so, our mother. Ala. Come, My son. \to Aris. Her. No, let my brother stay : and thou, [to Sab. His friend, shalt help him keep me merry. [Exit Ala. So. But hardly here. This is a sorry place, And yon heap makes me shudder. Let us out To the free air, my brother. The night is warm : My train have gone to the fishponds to disport. Shall we stroll thither ? Aris. As the King shall please. Her. Nay, call me Herod, or brother. Thou shalt see That I am truly such, nor shall thy mother Have cause again to weary of restraint. And think a mummy has more spacious room. Sal). Had I not better go before, my lord. And warn thy friends the King with the High-priest "Will see them swim? ACT. I. SC. 3. 181 Jler. Do so, if thou think'st best. We shall come after slowly. [Exit Sab. Yet, methinks, It is, ray brother, an idle point of state : We should not scare them much, — not in the dark ; And should we join them, why, strip off our clothes, And what are we but simple naked men ? \_Exit leaning on Aris\ shoulder. Scene III. In tJie garden, near the ponds. The imperfect darhiess immediately succeeding twilight^ Sabbion and two of Herod's train. Sab. Perhaps I may share your pastime : and 'tis sure, Should the High-priest so honor you. It is like — 'Tis very like — he will. Then have ye care To keep him in your eyes, — to be so near, That ye not only may increase his sport. By all the wanton tricks his jocund age Delights in at such times, such as — to dip His neck of the sudden, or with hollow'd palm Blind him* with showers of spray, or, diving down, To drag him under, as if 't were some strong fish 182 MARIAMNE • Had seiz'd him by the foot ; in short, by all That the high sanctity of his state, subdu'd By his gay youth whicli cannot be severe, May render seemly ; not alone for this, To make him joyance, but that ye may help In case of danger ; for, too long below. His breathing might be stifled, or sharj) cramps Fetter his motions. Yet — between us sole — I think I may trust ye — I am sore deceiv'd. If greatly it would grieve our lord the King The youth were fairly drown'd. It would, ye wot, Dam up one source of trouble, that not his throne Alone unsteadies, but makes Judah mourn. I say this, suading not to use such means Either for King or country, but assur'd, Of my own insiglit mark ye, that the King, However he might vaunt a loud lament, Would in his heart have solace, and own ye both His timely benefactors. By your looks, I see ye well conceive me. Ye shall have For your great service recompense ; say, now, For each one talent, with the hope of more. And so I release you. [Exeunt the two. Thus my soul is wash'd Of actual murder. I may even play The part behooves me and make shout for help. — That is their step : I see them dimly now Dark'ning the pebbled walk. How fondly seems The King to lean his left hand on the shoulder ACT I. sc. 3. 183 Of the boy priest, in his black heart the while The image haply of the burial- case Defrauded of its load, ami pondering o'er The pangs of stifling. That may bring to mind Those worse his father suffer'd, and the help Men say I render'd, since by my hands came The bribe for the poison-cup. I must beware. We may stroke the lion when tam'd, but near his mane The jaws gape ready. Enter Herod and Apjstoboulos. Her. Art thou here alone ? Waiting us doubtless. We are griev'd, good friend, Or the High-priest is, thou hast stay'd thy sport Because of either. Be the swimmers in ? Sab. All, and the water tempting-cool. Her. So seeming Because of the warmer air without. In fact. The night tempts bathing. Sah. Does my lord go in ? Her. I know not yet. That shall not keep thee back, Aristoboulos. Thou, I know, who swimm'st So bravely, long'st to lave thy breast, as doth The eaglet dust-clogg'd, and with joy to float As the proud swan to which 't is natural. Go, Fair brother, and thy mother's friend and thine Will go with thee, though needing not such care. I shall here wander briefly, where the dark 184 MARIAMNE And quiet favor musing. Thank thy fate That spares thee, O brother, thoughts that wait on mine. [Exeunt Arts, and Sab. Go join thy sire, — though, since he lacks the head, (As I would did his widow,) thou must do all The talk and thought for both. Brief he thy pangs. Thy coffin this time will not need a vent, And thy pall shall be brighter. So, good night. Between thy life and mine, — for, with the wiles Of that she-fox thy dam, mine were not safe, Not truly safe a moment, — can I pause ? Oi" should I pause between thy good and mine? For so 't is better, not for me alone. But for Judea. Wo unlo the land That has a child Jor king : but tenfold wo, "When the slim hand that holds the distaff" guides The uncertain sceptre. But to me, O Lord, Forgive this needful crime, and I will build Thy ruin'd temple greater than before, That pagans shall stand reverent, and the world Own Thou art only Thou the One True God.^^ The Drop falls. ACT u. sc. 1. 185 Act the Second Scene I. A hall in the King''s house at Jerusalem. MIeiamne. Cleopatea. Alexandra. Cle. Herod "will not return. Antoniiis' wrath Is hot against him for that monstrous crime So useless, unprovok'd. Mar. There is no proof The crime was his, nor that there was a crime. Ala. O no, no crime ; his head was only held, In sport, by two strong men, by Herod's men, So long beneath the water, that, when Mar. Hush! "Wouldst thou call up the horror ? Sport or crime, They underwent a like fate, on the spot, By Herod's order. Ala. Ay, no bubbling cry Rose from the water to confound with fear Of public doubt the employer, and the wage Earn'd by the workmen was a something sav'd. Mar. Mother ! Remember I am Herod's spouse, If my lost brother's sister. 'T is not talk, This, for our royal guest. 186 MARIAMNE Cle. Nay, 't is most fit. Was not my counsel mother of this wo ? At least the untowai'd midwife that brought on Its birth before the time ? for, be thou sure O sorrowing Mariamne, soon or late, By some foul agent, Herod's living dread Had found extinction. Alar. Make me not believe — Nay, I will not believe, sucb horrible guilt. Did he not clamor loudly, after mourn With a hush'd sorrow, and extol, by pomp Of royal obsequy, the foremost rank And merit of the gentle dead ? A la. What less Could his own self-love prompt, what else suggest Hypocrisy, whose mood is alway one Whate'er its object ? Blatant grief or joy Is easiest of all imitative play, Except the drunkard's stagger, idiot smile And stammering babble. Mar. But my brother stood Not in my husband's way. It steads him not. Cle. silly child, to whom affairs of state Are mystery dark as is the birth of Time, Or the great egg from whose divided shell Came out the earth and waters. Know thou then, Monarchs whose rights are doubtful, or whose thrones Are built by conquest on a subject soil, Dread popular uprising. Night and day, ACT II. sc. 1. 187 It weighs, a nightmare, or it hangs, a sword, Over their breast or head ; and by their fears They are made be tyrants, or confirm'd as such. In the most feeble sucker of the tree They have uprooted, and its place have fill'd "With their own stock, they see a rival growth, And delve for its destruction. In the hive, The queen, the moment she has found her wings, Seeks eagerly out the cells where lodge, she knows. Her unfiedg^d rivals, waiting their full growth, And runs her sting through all. In men the deed We abjure as murderous ; and I do the same, Bred to the cant, nor willing to seem sti-ange ; But not the less I tell thee, pretty love, The act is natural. Mar. Wouldst thou lift the bee To the same height with man? Cle. Not in the size Of body or of brain. But in her acts She shows not less of reason for her sphere, And in her impulses is much the same. Mar. Talk not thus, Cleopatra : man has God To look to : and His laws Cle. Where found? On stone? Think'st thou the gods be carvers ? Mar. If thou wilt. On the heart's tablets; in the conscience, say. Cle. That is, in reason, which self-love instructs, And policy, which is the long-watch'd fruit 188 MAEIAMKE CuU'd on the growth of state occasions, sprung By artificial culture from the seeds- Of that self-love. And hence such laws hut sway Whenever and wherever they subserve Or help maintain the interests of rule, But found in conflict are soon set aside. Mar. Alas, if so it is! "Why then condemn King Herod, and incite against his act. If 't was his act, thy husband? Is it then Self-interest thou consultest ? Cle. O the gods ! Canst thou not see a difference, when I sit In judgment as it were, and when I place My conscience in another's breast and find His secret motives ? She is but a child, Alexandra, still, though mother now Of two upgrowing sons. Ere they are men. She will have learn'd to look with steadier eyes On tragedies of state, nor wet their lids Even at a brother's drowning. Mar. O my heart ! Be this the fruit age ripens ? Happier he, The innocent boy, than to have gather'd such From the false tree of knowledge. May I lie "Where he lieth ere I taste it, as at times 1 have wish'd I lay, perhaps at peace forever As thought our sires." Cle. And thyself may'st prove O'er soon. The lion has lapp'd kindred blood, ACT II. sc. 2. 189 Nor will his flesh'd fangs stop at thee. That look Of scorn hecomes thee, but it shows thou lack'st A knowledge of tlie heart. The habit's force Is life of all our conduct, right or wrong. One step leads to another, and the thirst And hunger after sin its feeding follows As duly as the ••inpetite for food Or drowsiness, when comes the hour again At which, before, we sluniber'd and we ate. Thou art beautiful, and Herod loves thee well: But ITerod is a soldier, and as king Tyrannical and bloody ; in his mood A hurricane, which rises ere thou seest The darkening of the sun, and in its sweep Carries all things before it, sticks and straws And the small sand, as well as sturdy trees. If thou fear'st not its rising, why so sad ? Thou art not happy, nor thy mother safe. Hath he not set his uncle o'er you both ? Doth not his sister hate you? Mar. Who told that ? Cle. Thy mother. Mar. She doth wrong, both to herself And me, Cle. No, she doth right. She knows I am her true friend, and thus friend to thee. If futile was my counsel, its result Fatal perhaps, must it be alway so? Ala. No, thou art wiser than us both. On thee 190 MARIAMNE Weighs not the burden of her brother's death, And to tliee only stretch our hands for aid And ultimate rescue. Stop me not, my child ; Not yet Antonius' spouse knows all our grief. The clouds are gathering o'er us. Let us build An ark on Ararat, ere down the rain Descend in torrents and the surging flood "Whelm thee and me, and with us both thy sons. Cle. What wouldst thou ? Ala. Aided by Salome's arts, Herod's first-born steps nearer day by day To the throne's heritage ; and Herod's mind, Suspicious at all times, warps by the heat Of his malignant influence more and more. Thus, with her beauty and her serpent's-guile, Neither enfeebled, Doris is come back To share her son's advantage, to estrange Herod from Mariarane Mar. Let her, may that be. Who but a fool would pine the loss of love That was so prompt to change ? But Herod's heart Is mine, and will be ; and dark Doris' place Is with his other wives," mere tilings of state, Or sensual minions of a transient whim, Where is no real passion. Gle. Be not sure. All love is sensual, more or less ; and hearts Are won by blandishments and wiles that take Man's self-love captive, oftener than by charm _ ACT II. SC. 1. 191 Of actual beauty or the soul's best grace, Which sometimes even repulse, where pride like thine Seems to demand submission as tlieir right, Not to be won by conquest and long pain. I have seen and know this Doris. Have a care: She was his first love; and the heart returns, Or senses wilt thou, willingly to the call Of former pleasure. — "What wouldst thou have said, O Alexandra? Ala. Little not forestall'd By thy perceptive wisdom. Doris' son, Shrewd and ambitious, by Salome's aid (Who serves him not of love) strows far and wide The seeds of calumny, that the fruit, brought back By foreign hands, may poison Herod's mind With doubts, not only of my daughter's sons And me, but of their mother's self. — Mar. Not so. Doubts cannot live between the King and me Who give them nought to feed on. Gle. Air will do. The serpent jealousy will famish not, Depriv'd of solid food. If thou art strong In Herod's heart, why is thy clieek pale now ? Thou doubt'st, thyself. And thou hast cause. Behold, He hath confin'd thy mother, slain her son, Calls back the rival who because of thee Was exil'd from the Court, and sets her son Above thy nobler children. Is that love ? 192 MARIAMNE I would not share the passion of my spouse "With other women. Nay, I tell thee this : Did Marcus use me as tliy lord doth thee, I 'd poison him to-morrow — or myself. Mar. No. Cle, Would I not ? Mark thou this largest ring. 'Tis not for show, but need. I 'II give it thee. This pin, thus press'd, observe, starts up the stone. Note the white dust beneath. It is so small Thou canst conceal it 'neath thy finger-nail. Or, lift the ring to thy mouth : 't is better so, The gem upspruug. The effect is found at once. Mar. What? Cle. Death, be sure. Mar. I'll none of it. Cle. Nay, take, Wear it for an emergence that may come. But thou 'It do better than upon thyself To use my jewel. Mar. Crush it 'neath thy heel. Or keep it for thy use. IIow have I sinn'd To appear to thee a murderess ? Cle. Said I well. She is yet a child ? Ala. Nay, mind her not, O Queen. Give me the ring. I'll wear it for thy sake, And — not mistake thy meaning, {significantly ^ as she puts on the ring. ACT. n. sc. 1. 193 Enter Mariamnc''^ sons, Alexandek and Aristoboulos, Ah, my boys. Come ye to bid farewell to our royal guest? Akx. No, grandmotlier : the Queen will now go home Under my father's escort. He is near. Mar. Near! near! How near? Alex. "Within a half- hour's ride, "We are going now to meet him. Mar. [eriibracing one after the other. O my sons ! I knew the Heaven was just. Ala. "Whence had ye this? "VVhy wrote he not? Cle. He would take you by surprise. Mar. He would not stop to write. I knew he'd come ! He hath proven his innocence, [again caressing the youths. Cle. Hath found at least A way to appease my Roman. But these boys, How proud should be their sire. They are almost men. Thou, Alexander, [caressing with her hand. art well nigh as tall As thy half-brother, but art not so false, I hope, as he. Alex. I am not false at all. "We are Mariamne's children, who has train'd Both of us to be true, — as fits, she saith, 194 MARIAMNE The sons of kings and men of valiant race. Cle. All which is noble, but, my prince, unwise. (Suffer me, Mariamne.) When with men Ye have to deal who open not their thoughts, While ye bare yours, it is as if ye fought With naked breast against a foe well-arm'd. Learn to dissemble. 'Tis the art of kings. Antipater is wise, is brave, is false. Be ye as brave and wise as he, yet true, Ye must go down before him, for ye tell Your purpose and he meets it, while his own, Knowing it not, ye cannot override. Aristo. Is that thy counsel ? Cle. No, 't was given of old. Or something like it, in your Jacob's time, Who overreach'd his brother, and by fraud Forestall'd his father's blessing. Aristo. By a lie, By a mean juggle. I would rather be As Esau, who I have always felt was wrong'd And lov'd as honest, than the coward knave Who cheated while he fear'd him. Cle. Yet he won His father's blessing, and your race of Jews Are proud to be his children. Aristo. No, not all. I am not, nor is Alexander here. Thoupli not so liot as I, his soul like mine Scorns subterfuge and loatlies deception's craft, ACT. II. sc. 1. 195 As fit for women ooly. Mar. Fit for some. All are not like Eebekah. Aristo. No, not thou. 'Twas at thy feet we learn'd to weep with Esau, Grand and forgiving, generous and brave, Whose hands were shaggy, but whose heart was soft As is a child's, and flush with hate of him Who at their birth laid hold upon his heel, And when he grew, supplanted him. Cle. As ye Must do your Esau. Ye are nobler born. Alex. By the mother only, and it is, with us. Our elder who is Jacob. Let him be. Our father came of Edom ; and the blood Of him who stood on the other side o' the ford Of Jabbok, and his cringing womb-mate's guile Might have aveng'd, but did not, and went back Lord of his wrath to Seir, in soul a king, Seems quite as ruddy to us both as his "Who wrestled with the angel in a dream, And by his shrunk thigh cost us waste of meat Down to this day.^^ Now take we leave, O Queen ; Our father must not miss us. \_Exit with Ai'iato. Cle. King-like both, And full of mettle. Ala. By their mother spoil'd, Who will forget the Maccabees. Mar. Not I ; 196 Mariamne Nor that my lord, whose Idumeau blood la valiant as Matthias', or his sons', Is master, of his will, and may exalt, To follow him, who is fit. Let me too leave, O Cleopatra : I must be at hand To welcome him. [Exit. Cle. Did I not truly say, She is yet a child ? But if her sons are hers, They are thy grandsons, and their kingly rights Shall not be peril'd. Where is Doris now ? Something may there be done, and with her son, To check his false aspiring and give rest To that good heart. Ala. Ah, Heaven knows my heart, Like thine, O Cleopatra, pants for peace, And the good only, by all righteous means, Of all men, even my foes. Of course, the wrath Of the Triumvir will appal them both. Cle. I shall well use its terrors, be thou sui'e. Ala. I call the eunuch now to show the way. [As she claps her hands, Scene changes ACT II. sc. 2. 197 Scene II. A chamher in Doris' Apartment. Antipater. Doris. Anti]). Keep me not longer, mother ; my sire may come Sooner than look'd for, and my brothers get The advance of me. Do. Fear not for that. Tliou art set Too deep in the King's favor. One word more : Pay court to Cleopatra. Thou art large, Well-knit and handsome, of that kind of men Which queens like her aftect. Thou mayst do much, As she can all with Antonius, on whose will Was thy sire's sceptre grafted. Antip. In my hand 'T would prove a barren reed, even should I grasp it, Did I the Koraan cross by even a look He might con falsely. Cleopatra's love Would bring me ruin. Do. Thou dost misconceive. I had no thought of love. That were indeed To attempt to climb up backward. Foolish boy, Or vain, thou couldst not win that woman's heart, Even didst thou love her. But thou mayst assail 198 MAKIAMNE The weak walls of her vanity. Make her think She hath woa thee, and thou winn'st the grace that springs From her triumphant self-love. Thou art hold, Fair-spoken ; and What now ? Why, she is here I [low. Enter Cleopatra. Do. This honor, Queen of Egypt Cle. Nay, I come To do thee service simply, or thy son. Let me adjure him not to trust too far The specious mood of Mariamne's sons. All is not false that 's hidden, nor are truth And honor alway servants of the hold, Out-spoken and hot-blooded. Be forewarn'd. Under the outward habit of a mien Lofty and fiery, sometimes work low craft. Falsehood and treachery. Vain of their high blood; And made to think that through their motlier's side Their right is better to the throne than thine Who art the first-born, they would play tow'rd thee The part of p,ncicnt Jacol\ Be to them Not thou as simple Esau, but their craft Meet with superior cunning. Wilt thou so ? Anti}'). I will do all thou 'dst have me do, O Queen, Who art renown'd not less for subtle lore Than beauty, — in both peerless. Cle. Sayst thou so ? Thou hast tak'n to fiattcry early. I knew not ACT II. sc. 2. 199 Thovi wast so well-grown. Let me look at thee. lu sooth, thou art not amiss. I must have care How we consort. One day, thoa wilt become The royal fillet well. But thou art wrong: I am not subtle, Antipater, but, thou seest, Am one of the open- speaking, of that kind "Who are true as well as open, and, where pleas'd, Love to commend. We shall be friends. Hark there ! The King is come. Thou shalt go to him. But first, Eeturn me to the hall, and let him know I wait him there. [Sheptits her hand into his, in a seductive way, and he leads her out, exchanging, as Tie does so, a glance with Doris. Do. Ah serpent ! But thy guile Secures, not loses Eden, He shall eat Of the fruit thou profferest, and grow wise : too wise To be thy servant, as thou mean'st. His heel Will bruise, I trust, thy head, and thou thy folds And painted slough drag helpless in the dust. iT'urns to dejiart, as Scene cha?iges. 200 MAKIAMNE Scene III. As in Scene I. of the Act, ^ Enter Cleopatra, conducted hy Antipatek, wTio^ about to leave^ hisses the hand he still Jiolds. Cle. There : go. I shall make something of thee yet. [Exit Antip. But not what thou supposest. Why, poor child, Autonius would devour thee at a gulp ! But thou wilt prop my lever, help distract And weaken Herod, and his sceptre break, To join again in my hand, and be one "With that of Egypt, as 't is meet it should. And as, belike, it was in the hoar old time. And then, Arabia added Let me think. Herod is amorous. To ensnare his heart Would blind liira to my aim. 'T were something too, To estrange him from his last wife Flaunting growth Of a plant of yesterday, with airs of state That were extravagant in the loftiest queen Of the primeval Pharaohs, she makes vaunt ACT 11. SO. 3. 201 Of truth and righteousness, and looks down on me As if I were of coarser clay. Perhaps I am rated too less beautiful ! We shall see. But, to secure all Syria, or at least This part thereof, or make Arabia mine, If one or both, I must the king of each Set on the other ; and whether Herod win, Or Malichus, is all one : in either case The conquer'd realm is mine, in part, or all. If both should fall exhausted, better still. Or if, in Herod's absence, this great boy. Who seeks to pay me court, were made to play The Absalom to his sire But David comes. A stately presence, and a martial build : JEnter, from ahove, Herod, attended iy certain of his suite, icho remain at the entrance while he comes down. So, fitter prize, and easier to be won. Her. Hail ; and I trust thou 'rt well, I lose no time To render homage to the illustrious queen. Who is also queen of beauty and the spouse Of my great lord Antonius. For this honor Vouchsaf 'd Judea thanks, and be thou welcome. Cle. Nay, rather say farewell. I have staid more long Than I had meant, to see thee and give joy Of thy release, which I was sure must come From that unrighteous charge. Her. I had suppos'd 202 MARIA.MNE Egypt believ'd my guilt, and that her voice "Was constant foi- my censure. Cle. I ? My voice 'T is like help'd thy acquittal. Am I less A friend of right, that I am held a friend Of Mariamne's mother ? Had the act Been even a murder, though to be deplor'd, Yet there are sometimes pressing needs of state To justify men's slaughter ; and, a queen, And doing what I have been oblig'd to do, I could not have condemu'd it. Men like thee Are born for absolute rule, and the high gods Prosper in them what dar'd by meaner bands They punish as misdeeds. Before I go, Can I not serve thee with my lord ? Thy arm Is not demanded in the Roman war; But thou canst stretch it o'er Arabia. There Thy valor and wise conduct will have scope And victory is certain. In the spoil Look thou I have my share. Dost thou not want To farm of me, besides the vale of palms, Hippos and Gad'ara and the seaside towns That are my portion ? ^' Her. Gladly should I hire. "What are they worth ? Cle. Say thou. RcT. Together, then, Seven score and ten gold talents by the year. Cle. Fy, that is little. Add a score and five. ACT n. sc. 3. 203 Eer. Well, be it so. I '11 take them at that rate. Cle. But stay, I was hasty ; thou must bid more high. Two hundred talents say, and they are thine. Come, thou art liberal always. Her. To my cost ; Which keeps me straiten'd. But to please the queen, Whom I would gladly serve, I'll take the towns To farm at her own value and be prompt In payment as before. Cle. And punish thou The Arab king, who is not. Wilt thou so? Eer. To my best faculty. Though, 't would please me more Antonius would permit me swell his strength In his expected conflict. Cle. That must come Where thou couldst yield small service. When its shock Is over, and the conqueror, my lord, As he must conquer, no more halves the world, Herod shall be remember'd, and the deeds He prays to do be set down as if done. — Eemains"now that we part. [Extends her hand. Eer. No, not to-day. I would escort thee, as befits thyself, And as, for thy sake and my lord's thy spouse, Befitteth me. To-day I am fatig 'd, And, hasting as my duty bade, to thee. Have pass'd even Mariamue at the gate Almost without a word. And then, fair queen, I would not have thee leave us save with gift* 204 MAKIAMNE Worthy of both, and worthy of my debt To thy lord's beuefactious. Let it be To-morrow, O Cleopatra, or the day Succeeding that. Cle. To-morrow be it then. We who are wedded own but half our will ; The other is our partner's. Thus my soul Pants for its absent half, as doth thy own. How happy must she be who shares thy soul To be so lov'd, of such a man as thou! Minds are not always lodg'd in forms to match; But thou art large as Marcus, and thy brows, Like Ammon's, bear in them the word of fat© To shivering mortals. Thou art all a man. How she must love thee ! Dost thou think she does? Her. I hope so, and am vain to think it so. Cle. No, no, not vain, I am sure, were I as she, I should so love thee ! Art thou very sure ? Well, well. But art thou sure ? She seems so cold, And is so haughty. Eer. She is not to me. I deem she loves me well. Cle. Well, she may well. And thou, dost thou love her in turn ? ^puts her hand over his.'] In truth ? In very trutli ? Ecr. In truth, I think I do. Cle. Now, could I envy her. Should Antonius die ACT m. sc. 1. 205 Let us go in. I have kept thee here too long From love and Mariamne. Happy she I Exeunt, as the Drop falls. Act the Third Scene I. A large room of Herod's jjrlvate ai^artment. Herod. Salome. Salo. How long wilt thou endure ? Her. Till I have proof. Salo. Thou hast a mountain of it. Is it like, The old Ilyrcanus, now past eighty years, Weak too and gentle, easily led by those Who aflfect to serve him, or who feed his ears Her. He has lost them. Salo. Happily. That unfits his brow For the tiara, not the purple bend -° (Mark that), nor takes away the power to hear Laud of the past sung out of hate to thee. Would he, I say, being such, so tame, so old, Move but for Alexandra ? 206 MAKIAMNE Iler. And I ask "Where swells thy mountain. Is 't too vast to see? While life is left to her, that woman's brain "Will procreate mischief. This to think, to know, Is not to see the birth. Solo. "Wouldst thou wait that? To crush the mother ere the brood come out Is safer and completer. Her. More complete, But safer not. Forget 'st thou who she is? SaXo. His daughter, and the mother of that youth Whose death made Herod's profit, as would his; Mother of Herod's wife, whose haughty soul She warps to her own black humor. Her. Art thou mad? Or am I made of patience, that thou dar'st Salo. Well, thou wilt learn one day. The wilful blind Rer. Silence, Salome. And in time ; here comes My faitJiful agent. Enter., on the right., Sabbion. Salo. Faithful? Her. Hush ! nor think Thou only hast perception. {Exit Salo. at the left., as Sal), advances. Welcome back, O Sabbion, friend ! Thou comest on my sight As morn to the tired watcher. And the dawn ACT III. SC. 1. 207 Glows witli the fore-liglit of a sunny day. So speak thy beaming features. Is 't not so ? iSah. That, as my lord shall find it. Re?'. We\], well ; speak. The letter which thou shew'dst me, from the hand Of old Hyrcanus, given to thy trust By Alexandra, who, Salome thinks, "Was its true author Sat. Doubt it not, my lord. 'Tis the old mummy project schem'd again, With change of route and transport. Her. And the goal May prove the same, without the symbol coffin. Thou mightst have been an augur, bred in Rome, And shalt be here a prophet. Well, the letter ? Sah. I gave the missive to the Arabian prince, AVho read it satisfy'd, and sends this back. Her. This will not need resealing like the first. [Opens it and reads to Mmself. It shall to the Sanhedrim, who are meeting now, Call'd for this juncture. Thou too must be there, To bear me witness. Sah. May I ask the King, What says the rescript ? Her. Alexandra's sire s Ask'd for strong escort to the Asphaltic Lake. The governor accords it. That is all ; With welcome and safe biding. Thus thou seest Hyrcanus meant escape. From what? for what? 208 MARIAMNE Tlie old vulture scents disaster on the breeze That blows from Actium, and his female brood "Wets her strong beak for carnage that shall come, She hopes, of it here. It is a stupid bird. Tlie blood of Ilerod, which the Lord hath spar'd So often in worse danger, "^ shall not smear Her bald neck; and her rough wings flap in vain. But the mere thought is treason, is it not ? Sah. My lord, it is. Thy hands there hold the proof. Her. "What should be done to those who treason plot, Or practice it suggested ? Sah. "What is done To save assaulted life : life answers life : And kings and nations threaten'd have more cause For violent defence than have mere men Single and subject. Her. Even so. Bid call The captain of the guard. And be thou mute As thou art wise. Then go recruit with food And change of dress ; there is not time to batho. We owe thee. Multiply one hundred fold The cost of thy hard travel made for us, Then come upon the treasury ; to-morrow, Thou shalt receive the order : until when X)ur heartfelt thanks. [Bxit Sab. at the I'ight. Behooves me to have care. I too presage disaster. "Woman-led, Antonius may go down ; and with him fall Those who have stood by him. "Well is 't for me, ACT III. sc. 1. 209 False Egypt for Ler own aims sliuts me out From tlie great battle. This improves my chance. Octavius was more kind to me in Rome Than Marcus' self. His more sagacious brain Eenders him apt for reasons I can give TVhy he should be my friund. But till that come, And in my absence Ay, Hyrcanus' death Alone can make me safe. Thus snaps the last Of Alexandra's tools. I would the hand That us'd them could be broken too, as now Salome counsel'd. But Salome hints Evil of Mariamne. 'T is her spite. She hates the stock that lifts its older growth More stately than our own. I hate it too. Should my hopes fiail me, — should Antonius fall, And the blood-heated victor sweep away All that the vanquish'd builded, — they shall not Sing triumph o'er my funeral : with one blow I hear my captain's tread. Of will or force, Thou goest to the judgment, grandsire. aloud.'] So ; come in. As lie calls out this, turning to tlie rigJit^ Scene changes. 210 MABIAMNfi Scene II. A room in Mariamne^s AiMrtment, Maeiamne. Alexander. Aristoboulos. Aristo. Motlier, I try to think well of our sire, For thy sake as our own ; but when tlie light Of his grand deeds and of his puissant-" mind, The splendor of his bold designs, whose scope Should be an empire, yet whose costly taste Makes Israel weep, when this the King's broad light Of glory dazzles me, tliere comes a chill. And darkness, and the thunder-roar, the palm With all her fruits lies prostrate and the ground Is riven, and seam'd by torrents ; and in this I see the man, my father. "What had done Those poor fanatics, that our father, sick. Should rise from his suffering, not with pitiful heart And grateful for recovery, but in rage, And order them to a frightful instant death, — To bo burn'd alive ; full forty brave young men. With their two leaders? -' what, but follow out The law and the prophets, better than himself? When from the temple's porch they hew'd the bird, They did but foolishly, fired with boyish zeal ; And their inciters, teachers wise in law, ACT in. sc. 2. 211 Alone sliould have becu punish'cl. Mar. Softly, son. Thy fother was too passionate ; 't is liis fault ; The punishment too sweeping and severe — — Alex. O mother, do not qualify the act. 'T was what ray brother calls it, and were so Had but the head men sufler'd. Thon, wast thou Queen of Judea, would not so have done. Mar. I am a woman, nor am plac'd as he. Thy sire owes all to Rome. His many foes Have taunted, and still taunt him, as in birth . But half a Jew : -* he is scarce that in soul, And fain would force his people o'er the bounds He thinks belittle them. Lo, the heathen games, The hippodrome, the theatre. Did all The popular tumult make him take away The trophies that adorn'd this ? Arista. Ah, my mother Thou wak'st a frightful memory. What rage ! "What merciless massacre ! These are cruel acts That have no exculpation.-^ Kingly pride Should not be so aveng'd, and kingly fears That prompt to cruelty but create again Themselves in its excesses. When the bond Adorns Antipater's brow, I hope his throne Will not be propp'd on human skulls, nor fume Of roasting children lift its horrid stench Around it, to the Moloch of revenge. Alex. But why Antipater ? We are better fit 212 MARIAMNE Than Doris' son to reign. Mar. More fit, I liope, And think ; for ye have candor, and hirge hearts, And fiery hate of wrong, which gives me joy Yet frightens me. — ^ Alex. And yet it comes of thee. Mar. That is my joy, my sons, my good, brave sons, — That ye have ta'en from me what is in me Most good. But with it ye have drawn the ill Of rashness and too fierce and bold a pride: And that afltrights me, for your sakes. I fear, Often I fear, ye will not live to grace The sceptre of my House, even should your sire For my sake set aside the earlier riglit Of yonr half-brother, who is able too And manlike, but I judge vvitliout your truth And openness of dealing. In this world, At least in this day. Truth goes to the wall, While Craft and Doubledealing, laurel-crown'd. Drive their triumphal chariot fourabreast O'er Fortune's highway. Alex. So the Egyptian urg'd. But, driven to the wall. Truth need not crouch. Nor skulk in its shadow. We shall stand upright', Safe in our conscience, and trust God and thee. [Mar. presses Mm to Tier hreast. Aristo. Yes, hug him, mother. Alexander thinks All he has said. But why those tears that stand In thy large eyes, beautiful mother and good? ACT III. sc. 2. 213 And now tliey fall ! No, do not weep ! do not ! [Kisses Tier on tlic eyelids. Mar. Let me. It is not often that tliey flow. I weep with mingled sorrow and joy, in fear Tliat is delight. O my heart's [iride! my boys ! Whom God liath crown'd as kings, albeit the band Of human empire never press the locks Of either of you ; be for my sake, mine, Less rash in speech, less hasty to resent. Your bark is in a dangerous sea, whose roar On the sunk rocks sounds ever in my ears. Be resolute, be men ; but trust not all To boldness. Even with an open sky And breezes gentle, often goes the keel To wreck in the wild breakers, — What is now? Enter hurriedly, and icith looks of alarm, Alexandra. Arista, [to Alex.] Our prow, I fear, is on the rocks already. Ala. That demon Herod ! Thy grandsire, O my child. Is seiz'd. — Mar. Seiz'd! Ala. Even now I saw him led Under a guard to the Council, which has met In the great hall. Mar. What hath he done ? Ala. What done? What is he, ask. He is the last male left 214 lliVEIAMNE Of the royal house thy husband hates and feara. Mar. It will be soon extinct. What can he fear? Thy father is now standing on the grave. AVhy should he push him in ? Ala. Because himself May fill it first. Know thou, the news is come, Though not confirm'd, Antonius has lost all In a great sea-fight. Ilerod fears the event May rouse to tumult, and the people place The old man over them. Aristo. That they could not do. lie is too gentle and yielding. What when young He put aside, is 't like now in old age, So old as his, he would risk more than life, His people's weal, to gain ? Mar. It is some plot. I hope, my mother, thou hast not Ala. Wliat should I? Is 't I made Ilerod cruel ? Ilath he not Murder'd already my sole sou, the best And loveliest of youths ? Mar. Be hush'd ; at least, Before the sons of Herod; even were there proof, As there is none, of so atrocious guilt. But thou, thou didst with strange device, before, Tempt the King's anger, — hast thou not now plann'd Some scheme, wherein my grandsire is involv'd, Oflfensive to the King ? He is too old. And gentle, reverend man, to practice auglit ACT in. sc. 2. 215 Of his own motion ; but the lightest breath Of artful siuisiou bends him like a reed. Ala. What should I plan, my daughter? Is he not My father as thy grandsire ? Know I not The royal wrath how deadly '< But I know The King's suspicious also, and his hate Cruel as death. The earthquake, that late rag'd,*" Is not more fearful ; for, like it, none knows Where will the shock be, or beneath whose walls The ground may open. Wives, and sons, and friends, All tremble at his roaring, and with cause : The blood he tastes sates not the king of beasts, But makes him more rapacious for new prey. Frown not. Thou 'It see how this will end. 'T will be No murder, no ; as with my gentle son. Who was not drown'd, but only lost his breath Under smooth water. So the King gets rid Of both his ])OSsible rivals. Be thou warn'd: Our turn may come the next. [Exit. Mar. I fear, my sons, Your sire may be more cruel than I thought. But let us not distrust. Is not this case Before the Sanhedrim, without whose voice Death cannot be decreed ? All will be well. Go now. Inquire, and gather what you can : But go not to the Ilall, lest the King's wrath Turn on ye, and yourselves forget liis due. [Exeutit Arista, and Alex. God of my sires ! God of this blood-stain'd land ! 216 MARIAMNE Spread thy wings o'er us, o'er my sons, my mother. T have try'd to inspire them, for their fother's sake, With hope, but on tliis heart weigh leaden doubt And cold distrust. O turn them not to hate ! He is my spouse, the father of my boys. Give me to feel that still, and both our hearts, Mine which is haughty, and his, make Thou more calm ! Scene chansres. Scene III. The Hall of the Throne. Hekod, seated. Behind the throne, standing, Guards in full armor, ioith huchlcrs and long sjjears. On either side, seated, the members of the Sanhedrim ; among whom, and nearest to Herod, Simeon. Miihcay, facing the throne, IIykcanus, with the Cuptain of the Guard on ' his left ; and on his right, hut somewhat removed, Sabbion. Her. That I liave taken this step, rest ye assur'd Comes of no light incentive. Know I not "What ag 'd llyrcanus is ? his lofty claim, ACT III. sc. 3. 217 Bj the just awe of birth and ouce-liigh place, To our joint reverence? Can I well forget His royal blood flows by two kindred streams In my wife's veins and joins mine in her sons? ^ I thus, of natural pride, and by the tie Of ancient obligation, — for all know, One of you well, how once Hyreanus lov'd And favor'd Herod, — I thus am minded more To cloak his errors, than to set them bare Before your judgments. But the realm's best weal, The safety of my function, of myself, In this so critical juncture, when the clash Of kindred Roman arms re-echoes here, Sounding to similar strife and civil war, Are too imperious, that the inward voice Of private feeling and domestic claim Should more than whisper. Treason in our midst -■ Hyr. Treason ? Her. Ay, treason, treason in high place, — Calls for prompt punishment; and I, Uerud King, Denounce for this, before your reverend court, Hyreanus present, Sim. On what charge ? Her. On this, That he hath correspondence, interchange Of counsel and of presents with the foe, The ethnarch of Arabia, whom our arms, Favor'd by Rome, have forc'd to timorous peace. And render'd tributary."^ 218 JIARIAMNE Sim. And to this grave charge "What pleads the high accus'd? Hyr. I might make j^lea By replication of the King's own thouglit ; But it would shame me, to ungrateful ears To chant my acts of kindness. Have I lov'd him ; Did I, when, summon'd to a court like this, He durst come arm'd, assist him to escape, Though Shetach's son, whom sole of all that court, So outrag'd, hath this Herod left alive,"" Himself dissuaded, warning what now comes; Was 't I who, ask'd who fittest was to rule. Told the Triumvir it was Herod here,*' Though to my own wrong who, hy Julius' act, Was ethnarch then, as well as priest supreme, And born a king ; did I do this, — so speak, — So testify to his power, — while yet strong. Would I, now stepp'd a half-score years beyond The common goal of life, without as then Power or treasure, and having now no race 'I"o inherit from me, but whose blood is merg'd In Herod's ov/n, conspire against his rule ? Treason ? In me ? \[j top is white as Hermon's, My stock is not the never-fading tree Of Lebanon, and from it spreads no more A branch direct : a few brief years at most And ye will lay me wliere no dreams of pomp Make restless human vanity. What then Have I to hope fi'om treason ? ACT III. sc. 3, 219 Iler. Hope alone Not always prompts to change, and traitors toil Often for others' ends, when too the pile Tliey underdig is tlieir own house of stone, And its down toppling, if it crush them not, Yet leaves them homeless. Is llyrcanus old, Others are not so ; has he lov'd me, love Is prone to jealousy, distrust and fear, Islor does it not know anger. Younger brains Have woven for him, shooting through their warp His shuttle of distrust ; but not the less The work is treason, and the web is his. Syr. Distrust? I might make answer, show'd I such When from my Parthian refuge Herod's voice Entic'd me hither ? ^^ But all this is vain. Both charge and answer : let the King give proof. Her. Behold, [extending the Arabian letter to Simeon. Sim. \]iis eyes on the missive. This leiter answers to one sent Seemingly by Hyrcanus, and accords Arm'd conduct to the Salt Sea shore as ask'd. Hyr. For what ? Sim. It is not said. Hyr. Escape at most. Implies that treason ? Her. It implies mistrust, "Which thou hast just deny'd. Escape from what? The innocent dread not danger. Tliou liast done, Or wouldst do, whether of thyself, or push'd 220 MARIAMNE By others craftier, what endangers peace And menaces the throne. Was 't not for this That Alexander's widow plotted flight, Dragging her son the High-priest to that pit Where now her father stumbles? Hyr. 'T is a plot Against ray life's poor remnant, or a fraud Inspir'd by jealousy to elicit facts To justify suspicion. Who shall say That missive is not forg'd ? If meant for rae, How came it to the King's hands ? Her. Ask of him Who brought it and denounc'd thee. Tliere he stands. Hyr. He ? Sabbion ? Hear, friends ! all that in this court Love honor and hate treason. This same man Told Alexandra that her son was drown'd By Herod's order, and that he himself Strove hard to save him. Her. Did he so ? 'Tis like. Now, by my father's ghost, who drank his death At thy cupbearer's hand, suborn'd by him That double traitor, he shall fare like thee. Take them to instant death ! Sah. My lord ! Her. Spoak not. Hadst thou a hundred necks, they all should bleed. Sim. But suffer me, O King. The Sanhedrim Are here for council, met at tliy request. By their advice alone, can death he given. ACT. III. sc. 3. 221 Iler. What! in a case of treason ? where the crime Is done against myself ? Guards! bear them off. Sim. But yet one word, O King. Hyrcauus' life Is counting its last drops. The measur'd glass That drips so fast, let its thin, threadlike stream Pour downward in a prison, nor thy fame Smirch with thy wife's Her. No more. I owe thee much ; ^* Nor have I been ungrateful. But thy hand Beware thou thrust not in the lion's mouth When open'd on liis prey. Guards, to tlie front. The assembly is dissolv'd. No pause give either : Off with their heads. So is my sire aveng'd. Herod iiow slanding itj)^ his right arm stretched oiit to thefront^ his right foot ad- vanced, while the left, set haclward, rests upon the toe, the Sanhedrim have likewise risen. Pari of the Guard have.^ at a signal from the Caftain, sur- rounded Hyecanus and Sabbion. The rest moving dowmoard. take their place on either side in front of the Council, and salute xcilh their spears the King, as he descends from the throne: and the Drop falls. 222 maeiamne Act the Fourth Scene I. A sitting-room in Mariamne's Apartment. Heeod. Mariamne. Mar. No, didst thou love me, love me with thy sonl, Thou hadst not done it. My grandsire, old and weak, So old, so very weak, so good and kind, "Who was his own way creeping to the grave, Thou might'st have spar'd him, were it for my sake. Thine is not true love. No, emhrace me not: Thou smell'st of murder. Her. Mariamne ! Ah, Too well thou know'st I love thee, or tliy lips Would not so dare asperse me. Murder? Take That insult to thy mother. On her head Bests the crime's blood-stain, if there was a crime. Am I the only king who must not guard My throne from treason, nor my palace walls Rid of the vermin foe that grub therein, Because their gnawing breaks not my wife's rest Nor wakes her sense of danger ? Mar. And because (Give thy whole thought its breath,) because the wife Shares the rats' blood nor can be made to think Their narrow teeth not harmless. ACT IV. sc. 1. 223 Her. Thou, not I, Have said it. I had not a thought, could not Saving in folly have such, that thy race Valiant and royal were a verujin brood. Mar. It irks not, iJ thou hadst. Ilyrcanus' blood llad form'd a river, rolling to the sea. While yet Antipater's was a petty rill. Her, This is too But it shall be borne from thee : And thou art wild with grief. That haughty ire Adds to thy beauty, and those scornful eyes That lighten through still rain, thy upturn'd lip And nostrils' higher curve, thy throat's swoU'n arch And thy cheeks deepen'd red, all make me more Thy patient slave than ever. my spouse, Lov'd Tuother of my sons, forgive my act. 'Twas not in hate of thee. Mar. No, nor that act (Men say 't was thine) that took my brother off, Another of the vermin Avhose small life Troubles the lord of palaces, and makes, Tiirough divers traps, the dark pool and the axe Helps to his sceptre. Her. "Now, by Judah's God Thou dost not tremble ! 'Tis thy pride, or wrath. Or knowledge of my love's depth, makes thee bold To face me iu this temper. None but thee Had dar'd it. Go ; go, ere it be too late. Thuu art beside thyself, and I forgive. Mar. Forgive? 'Tis I may say that word, not thou. 224 MAKIAMNE I go, bnt less in anger than in grief. The breach thy crime has made between our hearts "Will not soon narrow. Till its gap is clos'd, Mine will not bound to meet thine as of old. [Exit, at right. Ber. Ungrateful ! And for this Enter JosEpn, from the left. Thou com'st in time. I would not be alone ; not now. [ Walking up and down with discomposure. Jo. I fear'd to come Up to the women's rooms. But thou so bad 'st, The slave said. Her. Even so. I had the thought, In giving Mariamne to thy charge, Which I must do, Jo. Go'st thou from us again ? ffer. — I tliought to do 't before her, for her sake And in her honor : but thou seest, O uncle, How I am ruffled. Mariamne's pride Ah, well she knows my weakness and her power. Yet, to continual strain the strongest links Of iron will loosen, and a sudden blow, Btmck on the chain when tense, may snap at once What swinging loosely has hung strong for years. Jo. Bc! troubled less. "What has occurr'd ? He/-. At times, Methinks I hate her, as I do even now, ACT rv. sc, 1. 225 When, in her absence, rises up alone The image of lier scorn and on my ears Eing her reproaches, and I loathe myself For what I bear from her. But she comes; T gaze On her transcendent beauty, and my soul Melts into languor, or intlames with heat Of longing as in youtli, and seems it good To lie in lier lap by the hour and have her hand Play with my looseu'd hair, the regal band Thrown by as worthless. She might even shear My power like Samson's. I should not complain, Till from my daydream rous'd to find my strength Gone with ray locks. Jo. What hath she done . Her. But now, I thought I should like to kill her, set my teeth In her fair cheek, and with my fingers tear Her dark eyes from their sockets. I could then Have drunk her blood and eaten of her flesh, And after kill 'd myself despairing. Hear. That thought recalls my purpose and makes fis'd What only now was floating in ray brain A half-form'd fancy. Give me time. Speak not. After a2)ause.] Uncle, I must to Cfosar, and forthwith. The master of the world, he holds my fate Suspended in the balance. A known friend. And favor'd, of Antonius, ray claims To his kindness, or forbearance even, weigh Like feathers, while in the opposing scale 226 MARIAMNE Aly enemies' arts and malice are as lead. If I can get before them, prove my zeal How useful to the victor by the faith I have kept with the vanquish 'd, and have time to tliro\v My gold amid the feathers, then the lead Goes up in turn, and Herod stands, as king, Firmer than ever. Else I might as well Beat out my brains like Phasael ; ^^ for my doom Is ruin, haply death. If this sliould be, It were as nothing to the pang to know Tliat Mariamne'd beauty, haply love. Might joy another, that from tlieir embrace New issue might arise, to make her blood Pretext of quarrel and rebellious claim Against my own sons. Wilt thon make me sure Such shall not happen, uncle ? Jo. Gladly. How? ner. But wilt thou ? Jo. By what means ? Her. "What count to thee The means ? For me alone the end : and I Alone am answerable. Wilt thou then Do what I bid thee? Nothing of thyself, " But, in my absence, solely what I bid, In a contingence that may never fall ? Jo. I will.. Her. But swear it. 'T is the last one deed Of kindness thou canst do me. For, when done, I shall be dead ; and only, am I dead, ACT, IV, sc. 1, 227 "Will it be done. Thus is thy promise given As to a dying man. Swear then. Jo. I swear. Her. By Israel's God and by my father's soul. Jo. By Israel's God and by thy father's soul. Her. Give, on the instant thou shalt hear my fate, Give to death Mariamne. Thou hast sworn, Nor only her, — for Alexandra's arts, ' Not vanity nor ruttish blood alone. Would prompt to my dishonor; let the stroke Fall on her mother likewise. I shall joy, When I kneel down to meet the headsman's axe, To know its echo in Judea here Will send a double echo back to Rome, And Herod's manes, as the heathen think, Have their due victims. Thou hast sworn. Jo. I have. Her. Let me embrace thee, uncle. Thou art best, As haply last, .of Herod's friends. — Wait here. Wlien Mariamne comes, say I have given Her over to thy charge till my return. Come slie not soon, so call the eunuch in And summon her in my name. Farewell. Jo. And thou. And may thy fears prove but an ugly dream. [Exit Herod. But should 'st thou wake to realize them, then Shall an oath bind to murder ? Jepthali's vow Was taken in heat of heart, which n^ade his brain 228 MARIAMNE Slow to forecast the possible result : Or, if forecast, it bound liim to an act Not in his right to do. I, in constraint Of personal fear, and taken by surprise. Have sworn blindfolded ; and to do the act When mine eyes are unbandag'd would be crime "Without disculp, and folly grave as crime. The impulsive terror wanting ; for on me Would fall prompt vengeance : Mariamne's sons — • Why, I were blind as Herod in his rage, To do his bidding! But he will not fall. Bloody as brave, in whose ferocious heart Throbs not one drop for i)ity or remorse. He is sagacious, has a ready tongue, A stately presence, and that open hand Which argues better than the brain and makes All tongues persuasive. He will still at Eome Bear up the head triumphant which has wav'd Its crest through hundred dangers and upheld In seas of blood unspotted, as if crime In him were hallow'd. Heaven keep him still Uumerg'd till those who are tied to him float to shore. Scene cluuiyes. ACT IV. sc. 2. 229 Scene II. A private room in Mariamne's A2)artment, Mariamne seated on the floor, her face in Tjoth her hands. Enter, eagerly, Alexandra. Ala. In tears? Not for the news I bring? Mar. Wliat news? Ala. I deem'd thou hadst lieard it from himself: the King Is going, I came to share thy joy. Mar. For what? Ala. At present liberty, for escape perliaps From probable death, which overhangs us both, Perpetual shadow, while the tyrant lives. Mar. Mother, thou speakest of my spouse. Ala. What then? Is it not Herod, the fell beast whose jaws Yet drip with human gore, my sii-e's, my sou's? When his maw craves again, it may be mine, Or thine, thy children's, will new-wet the fangs Already crimson with our royal blood. Mar. Alas, thou mak'st the bitter fountain fill To the brim again. It bubbled o'er but now In the King's presence. lie had come, I think. 230 MAEIAMNE To tell me of his going ; but my heart Sweird with resentment, and my arms drew hack When his own spread to me. But is he gone ? Aud whither? Ala. He is going : at the gate ITis train are waiting. 'T is to make his peace With his new patron. Let us hope, tongue- craft, Nor Judah's ravish'd gold, will chase the frown From C33sar's visage, but the axe or cage Quiet our monster. Min 'wliat too greedily,) but hates for that The} aro Mariamiie's sons. — Enter Doras So ghad ? What 's fallen ? Is Mariamne dead ? Do. Thou easily jump 'st To a conclusion, which is yet not far. Aiitip. What mean 'st thou ? Bo. Death : death possibly ; but shame, Certain and. terrible for the pride that stands Over thy mother daily, and the womb That gave thee rivals to thy natural riglit, Who art a king's son, though thou cam 'st too soon To be born such. Ant'q^ Which was my mother's fault, Who wed my sire too early. Do. A false jest. More late, he had not wedded me at all, Or given me but that second place had made Thy brothers elder. Is thy present claim Worse then than none? It shall be better soon By what thy brothers lose, when comes the King Back to avenge me by my rival's wo. Antip. Speak no more riddles. Do. No ; I must despatch, Before thy aunt comes. First to thee ; then her. But how she will receive it She is here. ACT IV. sc. 3. 235 Enter Salome. 8alo. What makes tliy looks so bright ? Do. I would my news Might give like light to thine. But Salo. 0, speak out : I am not easily dash'd, nor made to grieve. Do. Hadst thou e'er doubt of Joseph ? Salo. Of my spouse ? Why no, and yes. I deem that, like all men's, His eyes will wander. But his beard is gray ; And wantonness costs more trouble to the old, And hath not such sharp prompting. Do. But the lash Of habit drives the passions as before. And men will sin because they have siun'd. Salo. Good. Not Solomon, nor Sirach's son miglit speak More pithily or aptly. What in fine Hath Herod's uncle done ? Do. What, if I said Made love to Herod's wife ? Salo. I should believe Thou art deluded. Was it made to thee ? Do. No, that were nothing ; nothing unto thee. It was to Mariamne. Salo. Art thou mad? Do. No, somewhat wild with joy, as thou shouldst be, So he were not thy husband. 236 MABIAMNE Salo. Mind me not. What is this wonder ? Briefly. Do. Joseph went But now to Mariamne, call 'd by her To her most private chamber, Herod gone. Salo. llow know 'st thou that? Do. I saw liira go, — was told By the chief eunuch, he was call 'd tliercto. Salo. By her ? Antip. Is not her mother there ? Do. My son, Meddle not with affairs for which thy age Has lent thee no experience. What should do The King's high officer, though his graudsire's son, In the King's wife's close chamber, say her dam By chance was present, he, the King, away ? Salo. 'T is flatly treason. Whether something more Rests in conjecture, but is not unlike. Seeing the wanton's untam'd blood and pride Of petted beauty, and the scope now given To gratify her lover and, through him, Glut her huge hate of rae. Well look 'st thou glad : I came to scheme with you, with simple hope Of an uncertain mischief : by one stroke And with her own rash hand, lo, all is done. When comes my brother back [pnusing. Antip. What can he do? There is no proof of crime. Salo. And needs there such? ACT IV. sc. 3. 237 Suspicion asks for none, and jealous rage Will not await it. llerod grows more fierce By habit of bis wrath ; and Mariainne Disdains to soothe it. When tliey parted now, It was in anger. On my brother's front The thunder-clouds yet lower'd. — Do. Said he aught? Salo. Nothing, except to curse her misproud blood. "When the storm roars again and lightning comes [pausing, Antip. Poor Mariamne ! Salo. Hast thou pity then ? Do. It is not of the heart. His father wail 'd With louder clamor o'er the drown'd High-priest. Salo. So young and crafty ? Antip. Nay, my mother errs ; I see not why this terrible wrong should be. Salo. Then seest thou not thy interest. Be content. We have one common object : I, in hate For trampled pride ; thy mother, in revenge For wrong as well as outrage ; thou, because Of thy imperilVl rights : and thou alone Wilt reap the real harvest. Be less nice. If on the threefold altar of our cause I offer up my husband, a weak man Who gives me no offence, and even in this Wrongs Herod and not me, why shouldst thou scan So narrowly her fate to whom thou ow 'st That thou hast two stout rivals next the throne ? 238 MARIAMNE Let the proud wanton pay, as others do, The mulct of her misdeed, and it" she go The way so many of her breed have gone. Shut both thine eyes, — or open them and praise God. Salome moves to the door, Antipatee and Doeis attending her obsequiously ; and the Droj) falh. Act the Fifth Scene I. As in Act IV. Scene I. Mariamne. Alexandra entering hurriedly. Ala. The King has come ! And with him comes the news Of Cleopatra and Antonius' death. So cold and silent ? Once, thou hadst heard with joy My first of tidings, and the last, if not With sorrow, yet surprise. Mar. That time is gone, Perchance forever. Did the Egyptian die By her own hand ? Ala. Right royally and strangely, ACT V. sc. 1. , 239 Bitten by asps, convey'd by ber coinniand For tbat fix'd purpose, rather tbau be led lu triumph. Mar. Say thou, ratlier tlian be made Subjected to a man. 'T was well resolv'd, Give me the ring. Ala. The poison ? Ah, my child, Thou hast wak'd to reason. Thou wilt use it then As meant the giver? Mar. As befits me do. \^Puts it on. Ala. That is, against thy tyrant. And how else ? Now that by so long eifort and deep craft We have sounded Joseph's secret, what is left To thee or unto me ? But only this : Either to take life or to yield it. Mar. No. Not, did the King not come, had Joseph dar'd, Nay, he would not have chosen, kindly man, To wreak such cruelty. Ala. Suppose that so; Or tbat in his despite we had made escape. As I desir'd, thou know 'st, with his consent And aid to do ; what then ? the will remains ; The tyrannous bloody will, the love of self, Which has no sense for any outward thing It may not di'aw to itself, where, in its web, Centred, the swollen insect waits its prey, — This, these remain, and threaten at all times. Caprice, an accident, a heedless step, 240 , MARIAMNE May bring us ouce more in the tangled mesh "Wherethrougli wo liave broken, and wiiose sticky threads I feel upon rae now. Tliou seest I shake. 'T is no feign'd shudder. While the spider lives, Our brains are not our own. What wilt thou do When the wife-murderer, that would be, bounds in? Inarm him? speak him fair? Mar. Not till his soul Stands free of this blood-charge. Ala. How should that be? Wilt thou put question to him ? Mar. Nothing less. Out of his own mouth will I know if love Must have its heart-food follow it to the tomb. Ala. It was not love so hungered after me. Mar. Thou wast not nam'd by Joseph. Ala. No ; but a.sk'd, His silence gave sure answer. O my child, For his sake, if not for thy own and mine, Say nothing to thy tyrant : 't were his death. Mar. No ; was it not for Herod's sake alone, Worry'd to hear me call his love in doubt. That Joseph spake? The king can not take scorn That in his interest, though indeed misjudg'd. His secret was betray'd. Ala. Nay, be advis'd ! Thy temper is too hauglity ; Herod's wrath Is quick and deadly as a serpent's sting. Heed me, I beg, — tliou seest, with tears, my child : ACT V. sc. 1. . 241 It is our lives' risk ; and the beast lie comes ! [low. Poison him, but provol^e him not. [Exit above, as Enter, from the left, Uekod. Her. My love ! — Thy motlier is kind to leave us to ourselves. — What ! hast thou no embrace for me ? for me, Eescu'd as 't were from death, and whose whole thought Has been, from first to last, of tliee alone? Mar. Ay, and beyond tlie last. Eer. "What should that say ? And tlie same angry look that gave farewell Welcomes me back ! I might believe thee vex'd I am safe return'd. What wouldst thou, Mariamne? Mar. Something less selfish, /would keep alive ■ All that I love, though 't were for others' good : Thou wouldst entomb thy best possessions with thee, And grudgest ev'n breath that is not breath'd for thee. Jler. Art thou distracted ? Speak thy sense more clear. O my false hopes ! I bounded like a boy To thy endearments, and I meet a corpse. Death were not colder and wears no such look Of a repelling scorn. Mar. No, death is calm And rigid. Would its stirless quiet suit Better thy wishes ? That was not to be Till thou wast dead. Eer. Ilah I Now thy sense is plain, 242 MARIAMNE Tbougli scarce c'ear-spoken. Where gatt'st thou the tale? Mar. And is it true then ? Didst thou doom thy wife To share the untimely fate was meant for tliee ? TTi'r. Who told thee that? My uncle? Stand'st thou dumb? Now ! Mar. Harm him not. He souglit to prove thy love, Which I then questioned and now wholly doubt Kill me for love ? But say it was not so ; Say that he did mistake thee. — Her. Woman, no ; But foully hath he wrong'd me, he and thou. What gav'st thou for his secret ? Look'st thou scorn ? ■^That proves not innocence. Guilt may wear that mien ; And the proud blood resents the justest charge That humbles it. That fix'd gaze blinds me not. Nor thy dumb anger. Thou hast sold thy body To Joseph for his secret, or 't was won By its design'd betrayal, Nothing less Had tempted or had paid him. Mar. Art thou mad ? Her. Away ! I '11 search this out. Whate'er it prove, He hath broken trust, and dearly shall he rue. [Exit. Mar. What have I done? The guiltless man will die. Poor, kindly Joseph ! who was only weak And long withstood us. I will save hira yet, Cost what it may to this sinful, fatal pride. ACT. V. sc. 2. 243 Scene II. As ill Act III. Sc. I. Salome. Herod, entering with 2^6rtur'bation ; Salome advancing to meet him. Solo. Happily come, my brother ! God is just. Her. Spare greeting. And I am not happily come. Tell me of Mariamne. Tell Salo. Alas! Her. Why break'st thou on me witli that cry and look ? Speak ! What is wrong? What hath she done ? Seest not I am wild with my impatience? Salo. If I pause, 'T is thinking how to tell what needs must grieve. Her. Palter not ; dost thou know me? Salo. Ah, too well. I fear thy temper : and this dreadful tale Her. Mean'st thou I shall go mad indeed with rage ? What is it? Thy husband? Joseph? In one word. Salo. 'T is the King bids. Against my brother's peace, I do his bidding. Scarcely wast tliou gone, When Mariamne sent for him. — » Her. For whom ? S(tlo. For Joseph. Her. Sent ? I bad him wait her coming 244 MARIAMNE In her own outer room. Salo. That would not suit Their secret purpose. Her. Hah ! Whom sent she then ? Salo. The eunuch-chief. Her. lie shall to the torture straight. Salo. Stay, and hear all. [Going. Her. Thou know'st this ? Salo. Doris saw, Herself, the slave conduct him to the door Of the inmost chambers, and there shut him in. Her. Doris ? She hates her ! Salo. Not the less may speak The truth in this story, nor would dare do else. O ray poor brother, this is no strange tale : Myself have long had reason to suspect Their guilty intercourse. Her. Nor made it known ? Salo. How durst I ? And suspicion was not faith. Now, it is more; 'tis knowledge. Her. And I bring "What makes conviction. Joseph has unbar'd To her my secret. This herself made known With scorn and anger, shunning my embrace. Salo. Conscious of her pollution. What was then Thy secret ? Her. Matters it ? Say I had bid Her life should end with mine? Salo. It were enough ACT V. sc. 2. 245 To impel to a revenge which Joseph made, 'T is like, the price of treason. Her. Paid or not, ITis head shall reimburse it. 8alo. Paid or not ? Is there a doubt ? Her. Until the accursed deed Be proven, ay. The Sanhedrim shall search it. Solo. Thou canst not call them now. Wilt thou then wait Till the blood cools ? H&r. It will not cool till blood Of kindred veins is pour'd upon the fire. Why dost tliou stop me, if thou 'dst have me haste ? Solo. Not to arrest thy justice. Let its bolt Fall on the traitor; but his paramour — I grieve to sting thee, brother — let thy spouse, Who tempted and rewarded him, be scath'd By the same lightning. Her. She shall not escape. [Exit precipitately , followed hy Salome. 246 MARIAMNE Scene III. The Hall of the Tlirone. as in Act III. Be. III. In the l>ac'kgrouncl, in their due positions, the chief Officers of the household, a?id the Guards, drawn tip to receive the King. Before them, waiting for the same purpose, in the centre, Alexander and Ahistoboulos / on the right, Antipater and Doris, — a Utile behind whom, Simeon ; on the left, Alexandra and Joseph. Enter Mariamne. Alexandra comes down to meet her, Joseph fol- lowing, Itit more sloicly. Mar. O mother! Thou hast ruin'd Joseph. Ala. How? Mar. Ask not. The King is furious. Bid him fly. Thou wilt not ? Then the risk be mine. To Jos. who has now approached.] Go, go ; Thy life hangs by a thread. Stay not to think. Fly from the court, unhappy ! till the King Shall come to reason. Jo. Ilast thou lost me then ? Mar. Yes, yes; T have wrongVl and ruinM thco. Let not ACT V. sc. 3. 247 Thy death be on my conscience. Wilt thou stand Bewilder'd? Thou hast not a breath to spare. I was rash and cruel- selfish, and reveal 'd What thou didst tell me, and reproach'd my lord, "Who put on thy goodnature a vile sense I cannot name. Thou seest thy danger now. Go. Jo. But go whither? Mar. Anywhere to lurk Till the King's wrath blow over. Leave to me The consolation not to think thee lost. Too late! too late! Enter Herod. Simeon ) jj^j, jjg^od King ! and others. ) Her. Arrest The traitor Joseph, and without delay Strike off his head. Mar. No, no! He is not to blame! 'T was my fault, Ilerod. He would not have sinu'd, Had I not tempted him. Her. And dar 'st thou this ? Even to my beard ! Now, by my father's sword Mar. Take no rash oath. Forgive me, and on him Have mercy. He but err 'd in love for thee. Her. In love for me ? Adulteress ! Mar. Ah! ' Her. Thy tongue Is mute again o' the sudden. But thy looks 2J:8 MARIAJINE Vainly resume their insolent disdain. "What! hast thou dropp'd it ? Well. But not that change To stony apathy will avail thee aught, Or move my judgment. To Capt. of the Guards.'] Must I bid again? Out with the traitor and strike off his head. Jo. Hear me ! Her. No word. Away with him, I say ! Mar, Farewell, kind Joseph. Thou art better off Than bound to a tyrant's service. A brief pang Saves thee from all that misery I must bear. Hei'. Let him not speak. Jo. [as he is hurried off. God bless thee, Mariamne. [Exit with Guard. Her. 'T will not be here. To Mar.] Since thou preferr 'st his pang, Thine shall be like it. Bear her off to death. Sim. My lord the King ! Antip. My father ! Alex, [who^ toith Arista., clings to Mar. O my mother! Her. Simeon, what would 'st thou ? But beware! thy mouth Breathes on the fire. Sim. Let its flames stretch out Their fork'd tongues to lick up my blood, if aught I utter save what fits the King to hear. Her. To the point, ere I forget what thou wast once. ACT. V. sc. 3. 249 Sim. What would my lord do ? Will his wrath o'erleap The bounds of law and justice ? Sliall men say That Herod in his anger would not wait To sift the proofs, but from his council snatch 'd The right to adjudge to death ? Ser. The proofs are clear And need not sifting, and the treasonous crime Admits of no delay. What ! shall the King Hold back his hand, where not the meanest slave Would in his own case hesitate to strike, Or striking would be censur 'd ? What hast thou, Antipater, to urge ? Be quick ; nor think To stay the lightning. Antip. No, to change its course. Her. Hah ! What wouldst thou ? • Antip. Why should blood be shed? That in a moment wipes out all remorse And makes punition transient. Give, O sire. Her body to the dungeon. So shall men Applaud thy mercy, and the future time Want pretext to attaint the Great King's name With cruelty or rashness. Her. Boldly said, But not unwisely. Do. [apart to Antip. No, but take thou heed Thy craft trip not thyself. Salo. Beware, O King! Thy heart is wax to beauty. 'T was the wiles 250 MAKIAMNE Of woman that shore Samson of Lis strength And made the wisest of all earthly kings Turn from his God to idols. Wouldst thou give The adulteress power to guile thee hy soft words Of fabulous explanation, that, set free, She may ope the door of her chamber to more men ? Her. Hah ! What hast thou to answer ? [to Mar. Alex. Mother, speak. Show the King thou art innocent, as thou art. O father, listen ! For us, if not for her, Stain not our names. Her. Peace ! is it of my will ? Why speaks she not ? Aristo. "Why should she speak ? The heart Swells at unjust reproach too much for speech : Guilt leaves it freer. Her. Look thou to thyself. Grows thy young blood rebellious, it shall out Though all the Maccabees had fill 'd thy veins And thou wast my sole issue. — Once again. And for the last time, what hast thou to say ? Mar. Nothing. Her. Nothing? Mar. Even so much as that Tortures my spirit more than 'twill to go ■ The way my grandsire and my brother led. JTer. Saystthou? So be it. Go. [mahing asign to the Guard. Ala. Go, wicked heart And stony, on whose harden 'd guilt nor love ACT V. sc. 3. 251 Nor lenience makes impression. 31ar. Mother! Ala. Go! M(ir. I pity thee. Not thus thou wilt escape Tlie jaws that gape for tliee and for us all. O my poor boys ! my beautiful ! my brave ! My darlings ! Take my blessing — and my fears. Be prudent and more humble. Anger not The King : he is your sire. I seem to see Your manly yet young necks already spout In the air their life-blood. — ITe7\ Part them ! Mar. This will do it [opening the ring. As promptly as thy guards, and for all time As surely as the axe. Thanks, Cleopatra. [Throws doicn the ring. Her What means she? [Mar. falls into her so7is' arms. Alex. Mother ! mother ! Aristo. Oh ! Antip. Alas, ^^ She is in convulsions. Help ! Is there no help ? Herod stands as if stupijied. Ala. Pity not her. But pity the great king To whom she was so thankless. Her. [in fury.} Thankless? Never! Or was she so, it was that thou didst prompt, Thou the she-serpent ever in her ear 252 MARIAJINE Hissing t]ie thought of evil. IIo there, guards! Lead off this woman. Let the headsman's hlock Soak her rank hlood. No word from any one ! "Who speaks for her shall die. Alexandra is led off, Salome attending the {/roup to the door, her eyes fixed the whole time on Alexandra. Her. [kneeling liy Mar.'] O Mariamne! Art thou then going ? Antij). She is gone, my lord. Her hands are cold already. Her. come back I Come back but to forgive me. Ope those lips, [kissing her. My beautiful and lov'd ! I will believe All thou shalt say, so thou wilt but forgive. Thou wast too proud to sin, and I was mad. Was that a breath ? Antip. Alas, the final gasp. Simeon brings a cmhioru. Maeiamnb is laid down by Alexander arid Aristoboulos, who kneeling, each on one knee, remain at her head, covering their faces. Her. Dead ? dead? Yes, yes, her cheeks are cold, her lips. that I might bring down this house in ruins And bury us all with thee! O Mariamne ! [Falls over the body. The Curtain drops. KO TES NOTES TO MARTAMNE 1. — P. 167. I found them on the sea shore — ] Namely, of the Dead Sea. Josephus tells us merely of Alexandra's secret cor- respondence with Cleo^jatra, and of Alexandra's attempted escape to Egypt with her sou, she having had two coffins made in which they were carried to the seaside, as though they were dead bodies. He says nothing of the escort, which I take from the defeated stratagem of Hyrcanus, alluded to in So. 3. But there is nothing improbable in the idea of Cleopatra's sending one on this occasion. 2. — P. 168. — the Oalatians.'] The supposed escort which Cleopatra had sent. Antony had given her as a guard 400 of these men, which body was transferred to Herod after her death, along with Galatia, by the favor of Augustus. Josephus. 3. — P. 168. — ^sop.] That one of Alexandra's servants who, supposing Sabbion to be already in the secret, inadvert- ent y spoke to him about the preparation for flight. Id. 256 NOTES TO 4. — P. 168. — in my great father' s death —"[ Antipater, Her- od's father, was poisoned by Hyrcanus' butler, at the instiga- tion of one Malichus, a Jewish commander in the time of Cas- sius. Id. — In the Greek, Sahbion has the accent on the penul- tima — Tiaj3i3[(ov. But as the o is long, it is very diflQcult to pronounce the name except with the stress of the voice on the last or the first syllable, which latter mode is adopted lor the text as at once the more natural and more proper one in English. It is thus that Ovid ( Fast. v. 5 ), while, in his laudable partiality for Greek terminations in the inflec- tion of Greek names, adopting OrlOiia, has shortened the penultimate : " Quoram si mediis Boeoton Oriona quaeres." This kind of alteration is, however a very general one in all tongues. It is the genius of the language into which they are transferred that inevitably dictates in the case of proper and geographical names the mode of their reception ; and there can be no rule to govern us in their pronunciation except polite usage. Thus Her odes becomes Herod in English, while Aris- tdbu'lus, preserving in its accentuation the quantity both of the original and of the Latin form, is with advantage written, as in the text, Aristohoulos. 5. — P. 169. I lifted to the seat that was her sire's — ] It is one of the many illustrations of the decline in the strict observance of the ancient law that prevailed at this time in Judea, that Herod could act in the matter of the high-priestship as he did. While affecting to show great respect to Hyrcanus, whom he had managed to get into his power by persuading or encouraging him to come to Jerusalem, he sent for an obscure Jewish cap- tive of Babylon (so Josephus speaks of this person, though in MARIABINK 257 his very next chapter (Antiq. xv. iii) he says with more probability he was of the lineage of the high-priests) named Ananelus, and puts him in that seat which Hyrcanns, lately hierarch and king, could no longer till, as will presently be seen (note 9). But Alexandra, Hyrcanus' daughter and Herod's mother-in-law had, besides Mariamne, a child by Alexander who resembled greatly the latter's father Aristobulus the king, whose name he bore, and Alexandra took it ill that he should not have been preferred. So she managed by secret message to Cleopatra to interest in his behalf Autonius, who, allured by the picture of his beauty according to Josephus, desired to have the boy. To allow of his departure, with the chance of the Triumvir's favor, would not have suited Herod, whose object was to get and keep the whole of Hyrcanus' family in his power, to dispose of them as his inter( sts suggested. Therefore pretending to the Roman that it would have caused trouble in Jerusalem to permit the royal youth to leave, and to Alexandra, and others at home, that he had only set up Ananelus because of Aristobulus' extreme youth, he agrees to put the latter, although then not seventeen years old, in his place. Alexandra, as crafty as Herod, though without his force and determination, affected to be content, dis- claiming any idea of the supreme civil power in connection with her son. And so matters stood at the opening of the drama, both secretly detesting each other, but Alexandra fearing while con- tinually plotting, and Herod, with a tyrant's eye, ever on the watch to circumvent her, and never more so than when he seemed most careless and secure. 6. — P. 170. — who starved his mother, and look off By murderous hands Ids brother — ] Aristobulus, the eldest of the sons of John Hyrcanus, and the first of the Asamo- 258 NOTES TO nean race who wore the diadem. Both miirders were committed through the jealousy of au ambition which has been the source of so many personal crimes in every monarchy. 7. — P. 170. — those brave men, Sprung with their sire from a village priest — ] The five sons of Matthias or Mattathias, son of Asamoneus or Asmoneus. It was from the ablest of these, Judas, surnamed Maccabeus, that arose the well-known name which always conveys to us an idea of heroism and patriotic worth. The family, and especially their descendants, are other- wise known as the Asamonean or Asmonean race, from the name of their obscure progenitor. 8. — P. 171. — to cross Ayid prison, etc.] Herod's energies, in the commencement of his reign, were largely directed to the extirpation of the robbers that infested Judea. 9. — P. 171. — with his earless head — ] Antigonus, son of Aris- tobulus, when by the aid of the Parthians he had got possession of Judea, caused Hyrcanus' ears to be lopped off, that, being thus mutilated, he might be rendered incapable, by the law of Moses, of regaining the high-priestship. In one place, ( Wars I. xiii. ), Josephus tells us that Antigonus tore them off with his own teeth. Herod, acting on the advice of Hyrcanus' daughter Alexandra, mother of Maiiamne, to whom he was betrothed, escaped from Jerusalem and probable death at the hands of Antigonus, while his brother Phasaelus, captive like Hyrcanus, put himself with a valorous desperation to death by dashing his head against a rock, or perhaps the wall of his prison, his hands being bound. MARIAMNE 259 10- — P. 171. — his great precursor — ] John of that name, mentioned in Note 6 ; an able and fortunate ruler. 11. — P. 171. Whose downy lips, etc.] This is alluded to in Note 5. Josephus would have it that Alexandra sent pictures of both Mariamne and her young brother to Antonius, with aui_ abominable purpose ; and that the licentious Roman was de- terred from sending for Mariamne, as he did for the boj', out of fear of Cleopatra. The historian's acquaintance with the Konians of his time, made him sufficiently familiar with their bestial proneness to the vice against nature, and he distinctly charges Herod {Aniiq, xvn. ii. ad Jin.) with a like enormity, which we cannot call imitative, because Moses, fresh from the abominations of Egypt, made it, 1500 years before, a subject of penal prohibition : Levii. xx. 13 and 23. 12. — P. 173. — my lord the King, Thou art too hountiful.'\ Like many other tyrants, Herod was lavish in expenditure where to be so subserved his interests ; and in the ostentation of his ambition he spared not in the adornment of his realm. But of real generosity it may well be questioned if he was capable, since he appears to have been almost destitute of any feeling of be- nevolence, or of any real affection apart from that which is evinced by egotistical and selfish persons, who seem to be tender of those who are part of them, and readily defend their inter- ests or avenge their v/rongs, but sacrifice them unscrupulously on the very first offence or in the simple jealousy of suspicion. Thus we see cruel and thoroughly selfish men often fond of animals and stanch to those of their own kind who, like dogs, stand by them in good and bad report. But wo to both dog and friend, when it suits them better to cast them off than to maintain them. — See Note 14. 260 NOTES TO 13. — P. 173. — and the greed Of my wife's foresire, etc. — ] John Hyrcanus, who opened the sepulchre of David, and, accord- ing to Josephns, took thence 3.000 talents : a preposterous statement, but in keeping with other exaggerations of the histo- rian and with his remark, in loc {Antiq. xttt. viii. ), that David iu wealth surpassed all other kings. Herod, in the needs of his ambition, essayed the adventure of the Maccabee, but found nothing save the gctlden ornaments, which he did not scruple to appropriate, and was only deterred from penetrating to the very place of the dead by a miraculous flame which, as was reported, slew two of his guards, {ib. xvi. viL ) 14.— P. 173. 31y lord's soul is too large for this small realm, etc. — ] In Chap. v. Book xvi. of the Antiquities, we have it said in relation to the magnificence of Herod in celebrating games on the occasion of the completion of the building of Csesarea Sebaste, — a magnificence grossly exaggerated, as every- thing of the kind that respects outlay of money or splendor of construction is by Josephus throughout, — Ayid they say that both Ccesar himself and Agrippa oftentimes remarked, that the extent of Herod's rule loas not adequate to the magnanimity which was in him; ' for he loas worthy of having the kingdom of all Syria and, of Egypt, ed. Hudson {Oxon. in fol. 1720) T. ii. p. 720. In the concluding § of the chapter, the Jewish historian shows himself somewhat of a reasoner, notwithstanding his ill- considered remark as to Herod's natural beneficence. He finds nothing irreconcilable in his magnificence and his cruelty. He , paints him in fact as a true type of the Eastern tyrant, prompt, criiel, and wide-sweeping in the execution of his resentments, lavish in all that tended to the glory of his reign in pomp and MARIAMNE 261 outward greatness, and avaricious, because his very lavishness made it necessary for him to oppress his people to procure the means of its display. 15. — P, 184. Bui to me, Lord, etc.] This is not over- sti'ained hypocrisy on the part of Herod. I need not remind the reader of the devotional spirit ascribed to Louis XI. and so well depicted in one of the very foremost of romances, and one of the foremost of all that we owe to the greatest of all novel- ists, Quentln Durward. But turn to the Psalms of David, and we shall find even that pious king offering in like manner to bribe the All-giving, and to blind the All-knowing. If he promises not a temple, yet he holds out the supposed attractions of laud and grateful adoration. * It is, I am sorry to add, a religious misconceit which perhaps has been transmitted to us through the oral services of our own imitative worship, but which nevertheless is but the natural sequence and at the same time accompaniment of human ego- tism and mental blindness. Our conceptions of the Deity are founded on the knowledge of ourselves, and, similar in all reli- gions and at every era, are natiirally most degraded where the mind is most debased and kept most servile. As Mariamne may one day be represented, let it be permitted me, whose sacrifice of poetry to truth, or rather of the ornamen- tal to the proper in rhetorical art, is not acknowledged and not always comprehended, to annex other and more ornate readings for the close of the Act. I have rejected them from the publica- * See in relation to Herod, to ■whom Josephus unreflectingly assigns both greatness of mind and piety, the observation at the close of chap. xx. Bk. I. of the Wars, in connection, as the historian himself designs, with the opening of the next chapter. 262 NOTES TO tion-copy, because, as I have indicated for my own use in the original draught, they ' ' are not natural in the situation. " The yet green sceptre-rod. And I, O Lord, Porgive Thou mo this necessary crime, Will build Thy House, where once the Cherubs stood "With "wings that touch'd before the cover'd Ark, Shading Thy glory, greater than before j -That pagans, etc. Win build Thy House, -where once the Cherubim, With golden wings that met before the Ark, Shadow'd Thy glory, greater than before ; That, etc. 16. — P. 188. As thought our sires. — ] The Jews had no belief, certainly none positive or general, in a future state, till after the Captivity. Moses, in combining with so many of the ceremonies of the religion to which he was bred, the pure idea of the one God which was probably the secret creed of the Egyptian priesthood, had no conception of that lofty, and for good men consolatory faith, which had its cradle in the. farther East. But after thej' had embraced it, his i^eople were not better than before, as witness the horrors of this Herod's reign. It is a mournful thought, yet a true one, that the belief in an after state, while it sustains virtue, and lifts still higher the soul that is already above the earth, arrests not vice, while it is often, and especially through the fatal doctrine of the atonement, the stronghold of the hypocrite and the convenient cover under which the religionist that is not virtuous commits innumerable wrongs against his own soul as well as the well-being of others. 17. — P. 190. 7s iciih his other icives.l Herod had ten in all, including Doris and Mariamue ; and all living at one time. MARIAMNE 263 18. — P. 19J5. And by his shrunk ihUjh, eic.'\ Genesis, xxxn. 21, 25, and 31, ^2. 19.— P. 202. To farm of me, eic.^ Jos. Ant. xv. iv. 20. — P. 205. For the tiara, not the purple bend — ] Or, for the Stage : For the priest's bonnet, not the royal bend. 21. — P. 208. — which the Lord hath spar\l So often in worse danger — ] Josephus records two instances (Aiitiq. xiv. xv. §§ 11, 13) of what he seems to consider a providential interven- tion in the accidents of Herod. It is not inconsistent with his atrocious character, and perfectly consistent with its vigorous egotism, that the Jewish tyrant should interpret his escape in the same way. History is liberal of instances of kings as wicked, who had the same belief in their special protection by Providence. ' 22. — P. 210. puissant — ] Is here but of two syllables, as in its French original ; and the first one is pronounced as the similar one in the law term "puisne": peio'6d«i (the short a running into the sound of short e or short i.) 23. — P. 210. ^^^^at had done, etc., etc.] See Jos. Ant. xvn. vi. ; or Notes to The New Calvary, — Note 25, p. 151 of this volume. The cause of the atrocity is however sufficiently intimated in the present text. But on reflection, and considering Josephus' aptness to over- estimate, and his easy credulity in matters of tradition, I am inclined to think that the number of the victims is greatly exag- gerated. What should forty men be doing in such a task ? ' 2G4 NOTES TO They would be iu oue another's way. Ten were an embarrassing number, and four or five must have been more than enough. It may well be however that the larger number compre- hends all who were in anyway concerned, those who abetted and applauded the movement as well as those who took an active part in it. Indeed we are told, that the forty were those who stood their ground on the approach of the guard, the rest of the crowd dispersing. Herod, to whose atrocity is ascribed the mythical absurdity of the Massacre of the Innocents, * was, iu his old age, ferocious enough to take so sweeping a revenge. His stupendous cruelty in fact amounted to a monomania, and it is far more a matter of wonder that the Jews should have brooked so merciless a tyrant, than that on his deathbed he should have given that monstrous order for the slaughter of the principal men iu the hippodrome, and overlooked the obvious probabilities that Salome would not dare to obey him or daring would not be permitted. 24. — P. 211. But half a Jew : ] Thus Antigonus, when Herod was before Jerusalem ; while the old robber, who surprised in his cavern preferred suicide to crucifixion, threw iu his teeth the meanness of his origin. (Jos. Ant. siv. ) The historian himself, with his usual inconsistency, after dilating on the nobleness of the stock of the Asamoneans, and telling of its end through Herod, the son of a man who was of merely a common family and of no distinguished descent (ib. ad. fin. ) says elsewhere (Wars. I. vi.), that Herod's father was one of the foremost persons of Idumea, not only in his ancestry and wealth, but by the authority he held ! cf. Ant. xiv. i. 3. In fact, the pride * See however ( for what it is worth ) the last § in the Dissertation of CeUarius bolow referred to. MARIAMNE 205 of Mariamne's family, which was a principal cause of Salome's fatal hatred, had some such sort of foundation as the Cardinal de' Medici's vehement disdain of the Capelli. {HeeBianca Capelio, text and notes : Vol. I. pp. 285 and 357, sqq. ) It was not 50 years since the Asamonean race wore the diadem in the person of Aristobulus, son of John Hyrcanus. Thus : Aristobulus 1 year, Alexander Janneus 27 years, Alexandra, widow of Jan- neus, 9. And during the reign of Aristobulus, her son and suc- cessor, and his contention with his brother, the Hyrcanus of my text, Antipater was made by Caesar procurator of Judea, and appointed Herod governor of Galilee, and Phasael governor of Jerusalem, {infra, Note 29.) Then Herod is made procura- tor of Syria by Cassius and Brutus. Then Antony makes Herod and Phasael tetrarchs {note 30), and finally Herod king. And Josephus says that, on account of the merit of these two sons and of his own, Antipater was honored as a king by the na- tion. Wars I. X. 5. See the Dissert. Cellarii appended to Hud- son's ed., § ni. 25. — P. 211. Thouwak'st a frightful memory. Etc.] Herod introduced games after the manner of the Romans, in honor of Cffisar, and, with like imitative magnificence, built a theatre at Jerusalem and an amphitheatre in the plain. All of which caused great offence, but especially the trophies which sur- rounded the theatre, and which the Jews took or affected to take to be images of men covered with armor, until he showed them they were simple wooden frames so enveloped. But he did not thereby content the more bigoted or the seditious. So there was formed a desperate conspiracy of ten men to slay him in the theatre. It was discovered by one of his spies, and the ten were put to death with tortures. Thereupon the spy was 266 NOTES TO torn to pieces by an enraged mob, and thrown to the dogs. To find out the perpetrators of this retaliatory act and avenge the insult thus offered to his authority, Herod, in the absurd as well as cruel practice of that barbarous day, which suited well his nature, habits, and notions of repressive rule, put to the torture certain women, who confessed, probably without knowledge, as to what they had witnessed, and the despot made clean work of the entire families of those accused by this extorted confes- sion. Aniiq. sv. viii : where the record of these events follows that of Mariamne's death. But in the Wars ( i. xxi. ) it is made to precede it. 26. — P. 215. The earthquake, that late rag'cl — ] See Aid. XV. v. § 2. 27. — P. 217. His royal blood, etc.] Mariamne was on the father's side daughter of Hyrcanus' brother's son, as on the mother's of Hyrcanus' daughter. 28.— P. 217. Ami re7iderd iributary. "} Aniiq. xv. v. 29. — P. 218. Did I, ichen, etc.] When Herod was 25 years old, his father Antipater, Procurator of Judea, as we have seen, and an able man, set him over Galilee, making at the same time Phasael, Herod's elder brother, governor of Jerusalem. Hyr- canus was then High-priest, and nominally King. Herod clears Syria of robbers ; Phasael also deserves well in his government ; and Antipater and his sons grow greatly in favor with the peo- ple. (Compare, above. Note 2'±. ) This excited envy, and per- thaps a reasonable apprehension, among the principal men, who set Hyrcanus against Antipater and his family. Among other things in proof of the tyrannical disposition of Herod, MARIAMNE 267 they urged that he had of his own volition slain Hezekias chief ol' the robbers, although the death-puuishment in any case was forbidUen except when authorized by the Sanhedrim. So too the mothers of others slain implore Hyrcanus to bring Herod to tria\ Sextus C;Bsar, president of Syria, writes to Hyrcanus to have Herod cleared. Hyrcanus, who loved the latter ( accord- ing to Josephus,) and was moreover of a pliant and irresolute temper, readily yielded to what was in fact a command. But, at the suggestion of Antipater, Herod appeared before the Sanhedrim with an armed escort. Then stood up Sameas, (called by the Ta'mudists Simeon son of Shetach,*) a just man and therefore svpei-'ior to fear,] and pointing out the enormity of this appearance of Herod, who should have come before them in the usual attire and with the humbleness of one accused, warned them that Herod would one day punish them and the King also. Antiq. xiv. ix. : Wars. i. x. Compare Antiq. xv. i. § 1 ; where Josephus assigns to one Pollio, a Pharisee (of whom he says Sameas was a disciple) the uttering of this sagacious prediction. See Note 32. 30.— P. 218. Was H I who, etc.] A large number of the principal Jews came to Antony near Antioch and accused Herod and Phasael of usurpation of the government and defiance of the natural and acknowledged rights of Hyrcanus, to whom they had left nothing but the name of power. Hyrcanus was present, and Antonius having heard both the Jews and Messala * "WTiiston, after Eeland. Talboys' ed. Osf., 1839. In Bohn's ed. 1847, it is spelled Shetaoh. I have ado^itcd that wMch is most likely to be the true reading, having no opportunity to verify either. t . . . StKato; avrip, xai. 6 t a r o v t o tov 6e5ievai KpetTTUV . ., A notable, indeed noble sentiment, which I could wish were philosopicaUy coiTect. 268 NOTES TO who (probably at the instigatiou of the triumvir) defended the brothers, turned to Hyrcanus and asked him as in the text, receiving the answer as there given. The Eomau accordingly made the brothers tetrarchs and confirmed them in the govern- ment. Wars. I. xii. 31. — P. 219. WJien from my Farthian refuge — ] "When on the capture of Jerusalem, mentioned in Note 9, Hyrcanus was carried off by the Parthians, he was treated geuerouslj' by their king, who set him free and assigned him a habitation iu Baby- lonia among his own countrymen. These showed the unfortu- nate high-priest the honor due to his former condition and his hereditary rank ; and it was in despite of their remonstrances, that Hyrcanus, yielding to his own desire, the flattery of his hopes and Herod's treacherous solicitations, returned for the last time to the fatal city. 32. — P. 221. I owe thee much:} It was Sameas {Simeon o{ the text), or Sameas together with Pollio, who at the siege of Jerusalem by Herod and Sosius, Antony's general, advised the people, as the least of two evils, to admit Herod. Aniiq. xrv. ix. and sv. i. 33. —P. 226. Beat out my brains like Phasael — ] See Note 9, at its close. 34. — P. 231. Was the tcord "vermin"?] Josephus, in more than one place, s^seaks of Alexandra as a woman of unusual shrewdness. To assign to her, as here by implication, perspi- cacity, quickness of observation, and promptness in deduction, is not to overdraw her character. I beg leave to add, that I have the same authority for the MARIAMKE 269 ability shown by AyUipater and Salome, and for the cunning of Boris. These therelbre, with Herod, Mariamne, and the other prominent personages, are historical portraits, painted with such exactness of design as it is possible to give them in a work of this nature. The coloring is, as I dare to claim it to be in all my dramas, perfectly after nature. 35.— P. 251. What means she? Qtc.'\ The natural and first reading was : Her. What doth, she mean ? Alex. [Aristo. silently weeping. Mother 1 mother I Antip. Alas ! but, unhappily, it is rythmically defective. The passionate Aristoboulus silently weeping is not only more characteristic but effective than the exclamation which was required to fill up the verse iu the text. List of Mr. Osborn's Plays Comprised in the present eight volumes of the Series. [The names in Italics are of those already published.] J "Volume I. Calvary: Vii-ginia: Bianca G'apeto (with Historical Appendices). Tragedies. >1 Volume II. Ugo da Este : Vberto : Tlie Cid of Seville (with Critical Analyses of the Estrella of Lope and Sancho Ortiz of Trigueros) : The Last Mandeville : The Heart's Sacrifice : The Monk : Matilda of De-ainarJc Tragedies. Volume III. Meleagros : Deianeira : Palamedes : (Enone : Pyrrhus, Sou of Achilles. Tragedies. vl Volume IV. The Silver Head: The Double Deceit: The Montanird: Tlie School for Critics. Comedies. Volume V. The Magnetiser : The Prodigal : His Uncle's Heir. The Dead Alive Comedies in Prose.. Volume VI. The Neio Calvary : Mariamne : Hadaeeah : Esther : Saul : Samson : Jephthah. Tragedies. Volume VIL The Cavalipr : The Altar of Duty : Henry III. of France : Henry IV. of France : Joanna of Naples. Tragedies. Volume VIII The Noble Eevenge : Comedies. Nolo ready, and to be had separately, Vols. I. II. and IV. For sale by HENiiY L. HINTON, 714 Broadway.