Elizabeth Cary

The Tragedy of Mariam

La tragedia de Mariam, la hermosa reina de los judíos (Traducción)

Cary, Elizabeth. La tragedia de Mariam, la hermosa reina de los judíos . Edición bilingüe anotada, introducción y traducción de Víctor Huertas Martín. Valencia: EMOTHE Universitat de València, 2023. https://hdl.handle.net/10550/89867

Joan Oleza Simó (Investigador principal) Huertas Martín, Víctor (Editor de la edición crítica) Huertas Martín, Víctor (Editor digital)

English · Verso · 293 versos

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License

https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0337_TheTragedyOfMariam

Tiempo histórico: Antigüedad clásica
1st century BC
Datación: 1602–1609
anterior o hasta 1602 y hasta o posterior 1609; 1605

Bibliografía

Ediciones modernas

Bevington, David; Engle, Lars; Eisaman Maus, Katharine; Rasmussen, Eric, ed. English Renaissance Drama: A Norton Anthology. London and New York: W.W. Norton, 2002.
Britland, Karen, ed. The Tragedy of Mariam. Cary, Elizabeth. London: Methuen Drama A & C Black, 2010. New Mermaids.
Cerasano, S. P.; Wynne-Davies, Marion, ed. Renaissance Drama by Women: Texts and Documents. London: Routledge, 1996. Mariam, pp. 43-75.
Hodgson-Wright, Stephanie, ed. The Tragedy of Mariam. Cary, Elizabeth. Peterborough: Broadview Press, 2000. Broadview Literary Texts.
Purkiss, Diane, ed. Renaissance Women. London: Pickering, 1994. Renaissance Dramatists.
Purkiss, Diane, ed. Three Tragedies by Renaissance Women. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1998. Renaissance Dramatists. Mariam, pp. 97-166.
Weller, Barry; Margaret Ferguson, ed. The Tragedy of Mariam, the Fair Queen of the Jewry. Cary, Elizabeth. Berkeley and London: University of California Press, 1994.
Wray, Ramona, ed. The Tragedy of Mariam. Cary, Elizabeth. London: Bloomsbury, 2012. Arden Early Modern Drama.
Wright, Stephanie J., ed. The Tragedy of Mariam, the Fair Queen of the Jewry. Cary, Elizabeth. Keele: Keele University Press, 1996. Renaissance Texts and Studies.

Bibliografía crítica

Abdul-Jabbar, Wisam Kh. "Teaching 'The Tragedy of Mariam' to High School Students and Beyond". This Rough Magic: A Peer-Reviewed, Academic, Online Journal Dedicated to the Teaching of Medieval and Renaissance Literature. 2014, p. 58-70.
Beilin, Elaine. "Elizabeth Cary and 'The Tragedie of Mariam'". Papers on Language & Literature. 1980, 16, p. 45-64.
Beilin, Elaine. "Elizabeth Cary, 'The Tragedy of Mariam', and History". Ed. Pacheco, Anita. A Companion to Early Modern Women's Writing. Oxford: Blackwell, 2002, p. 136-49.
Bell, Ilona. "Private Lyrics in Elizabeth Cary's 'Tragedy of Mariam'". Ed. Wolfe, Heather. The Literary Career and Legacy of Elizabeth Cary, 1613-1680. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, p. 17-34.
Bennett, Alexandra G. "Female Performativity in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Ed. Schoenberg, Thomas J.; Trudeau, Lawrence J. Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800: Volume 141. Farmington Hills: Thomson Gale, 2008, p. 84-92.
Bennett, Alexandra G. "Female performativity in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Studies in English Literature 1500-1900. 2000, 40, 2, p. 293-309.
Bennett, Lyn. "'Written on my tainted brow': woman and the exegetical tradition in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Christianity and Literature. 2001, 51, 1, p. 5-28.
Berry, Boyd M. "Feminine construction of patriarchy; or, What's comic in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England. 1995, 7, p. 257-74.
Calderón López, María Isabel. "Elizabeth Cary's Life and Work Rediscovered: Scepticism and Epistemology in 'The Lady Falkland: Her Life' and 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Dissertation Abstracts International, Section A: The Humanities and Social Sciences. 2002, 64, 3, p. 913.
Callaghan, Dympna. "Re-Reading Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedie of Mariam, Faire Queene of Jewry'". Ed. Hendricks, Margo; Parker, Patricia. Women, 'Race,' and Writing in the Early Modern Period. London: Routledge, 1994, p. 163-77.
Callaghan, Dympna. "Re-Reading Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedie of Mariam, Faire Queene of Jewry'". Ed. Raber, Karen. Elizabeth Cary. Surrey: Ashgate, 2009, p. 173-193.
Clarke, Danielle. "'This domestic kingdome or monarchy': Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam' and the resistance to patriarchal government". Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England. 1998, 10, p. 179-200.
Clarke, Danielle. "'This Domestic Kingdome or Monarchy': Cary's The Tragedy of Mariam and the Resistance to Patriarchal Government". Ed. Schoenberg, Thomas J.; Trudeau, Lawrence J. Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800: Volume 141. Farmington Hills: Thomson Gale, 2008, p. 37-48.
Clarke, Danielle. "The Tragedy of Mariam' and the politics of marriage". Ed. Sullivan, Garrett A., Jr; Cheney, Patrick; Hadfield, Andrew. Early modern English drama: a critical companion. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006, p. 248-59.
Connors, Louisa. "An Unregulated Woman: A Computational Stylistic Analysis of Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam, The Faire Queene of Jewry'". Literary and Linguistic Computing: Journal of the Association for Literary and Linguistic Computing and The Association for Computers and the Humanities. 2006, 21, p. 55-66.
Cuder-Domínguez, Pila. ""Female Monstrosity, Besieged Masculinity, and the Bounds of Race in Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam' (1613)". Grove: Working Papers on English Studies. 2006, 13, p. 57-71.
Dowd, Michelle M. "Dramaturgy and the politics of space in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Renaissance Drama. 2016, 44, 1, p. 101-22.
Ferguson, Margaret W. ""Allegories of Imperial Subjection: Literacy as Equivocation in Elizabeth Cary's 'Tragedy of Mariam'". Ed. Raber, Karen. Elizabeth Cary. Surrey: Ashgate, 2009, p. 225-301.
Ferguson, Margaret W. "The Spectre of Resistance: 'The Tragedy of Mariam' (1613)". Ed. Kastan, David Scott; Stallybrass, Peter. Staging the Renaissance: Reinterpretations of Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama. New York: Routledge, 1991, p. 235-50.
Fletcher, J. B. "Herod in the Drama". Studies in Philology. 1922, 19, p. 292-307.
Glew, Dorothy Fitzgerald. Elizabeth Cary and 'The Tragedy of Mariam': a study of submission and subversion. 1995.
Green, Reina. "'Ears Prejudicate' in 'Mariam' and 'Duchess of Malfi'". SEL: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. 2003, 43, 2, p. 459-74.
Green, Reina. "'Ears Prejudicate' in Mariam and The Duchess of Malfi". Ed. Raber, Karen. Elizabeth Cary. Surrey: Ashgate, 2009, p. 461-476.
Gruber, Elizabeth. "Insurgent flesh: epistemology and violence in 'Othello' and 'Mariam'". Women's Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal. 2003, 32, 4, p. 393-410.
Gruber, Elizabeth. "Insurgent Flesh: Epistemology and Violence in Othello and Mariam". Ed. Raber, Karen. Elizabeth Cary. Surrey: Ashgate, 2009, p. 477-494.
Gutierrez, Nancy A. "Valuing Mariam: Genre Study and Feminist Analysis". Ed. Raber, Karen. Elizabeth Cary. Surrey: Ashgate, 2009, p. 101-119.
Hiscock, Andrew. "The Hateful Cuckoo: Elizabeth Cary's 'Tragedie of Mariam', a Renaissance Drama of Dispossession". Ed. Schoenberg, Thomas J.; Trudeau, Lawrence J. Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800: Volume 141. Farmington Hills: Thomson Gale, 2008, p. 27-37.
Hodgson-Wright, Stephanie. "Not kissing the (He)rod: Marian moments in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Ed. Buccola, Regina; Hopkins, Lisa. Marian moments in early modern British drama. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2007, p. 161-73.
Holdsworth, R. V. "Middleton and 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Notes and Queries. 1986, 33, 3, p. 379-80.
Kegl, Rosemary. "Theaters, Households, and a 'Kind of History' in Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Ed. Comensoli, Viviana; Russell, Anne. Enacting Gender on the English Renaissance Stage. Urbana: Univ. of Illinois, 1999, p. 135-53.
Kegl, Rosemary. "Theatres, Households, and a 'Kind of History' in Elizabeth Cary's The Tragedy of Mariam". Ed. Schoenberg, Thomas J.; Trudeau, Lawrence J. Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800: Volume 141. Farmington Hills: Thomson Gale, 2008, p. 48-57.
Kelly, Erin E. "Mariam and Early Modern Discourses of Martyrdom". Ed. Wolfe, Heather. The Literary Career and Legacy of Elizabeth Cary, 1613-1680. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, p. 35-52.
Kemp, Theresa D. "The Family Is a Little Commonwealth: Teaching 'Mariam' and 'Othello' in a Special-Topics Course on Domestic England". Shakespeare Quarterly. 1996, 47, 4, p. 451-60.
Kusunoki, Akiko. "Representations of female subjectivity in Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam' and Mary Wroth's 'Love's Victory'". Ed. Kawachi, Yoshiko. Japanese studies in Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Newark: Delaware UP, 1998, p. 141-65.
Lehnhof, Kent R. "Acting Virtuous: Chastity, Theatricality, and 'The Tragedie of Mariam'". Ed. Moncrief, Kathryn M; McPherson, Kathryn R. Performing Pedagogy in Early Modern England: Gender, Instruction, and Performance. Farnham: Ashgate, 2011, p. 217-232.
León Alfar, Cristina. "Elizabeth Cary's female trinity: breaking custom with Mosaic law in 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Early Modern Women. 2008, 3, p. 61-103.
Luckyj, Christina. "Historicizing Gender: Mapping Cultural Space in Webster's The Duchess of Malfi and Cary's The Tragedy of Mariam". Ed. Bamford, Karen; Leggatt, Alexander. Approaches to Teaching English Renaissance Drama. New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2002, p. 134-41.
Maguire, Laurie. "Teaching Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam' through Performance". Ed. Bamford, Karen;, Leggatt, Alexander. Approaches to Teaching English Renaissance Drama. New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2002, p. 95-98.
McCutcheon, Rebecca. "A performance studies approach to 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Early Theatre. 2015, 18, 2, p. 187-201.
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Miller, Naomi J. "Domestic politics in Elizabeth Cary's 'The Tragedy of Mariam'". Studies in English Literature 1500-1900. 1997, 37, 2, p. 353-69.
Miller, Naomi J. "Domestic Politics in Elizabeth Cary's 'Tragedy of Mariam'". Ed. Schoenberg, Thomas J.; Trudeau, Lawrence J. Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800: Volume 141. Farmington Hills: Thomson Gale, 2008, p. 2-10.
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Note on this digital edition

This publication is part of the research project “Early Modern Spanish and European Theatre: Heritage and Databases”, reference PID2019-104045GB-C54 (acronym EMOTHE), funded by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. An annotated and bilingual edition, with introduction and translation into Spanish by Víctor Huertas Martín of Elizabeth Cary's English tragedy THE TRAGEDY OF MARIAM, THE FAIR QUEEN OF JEWRY is available at URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10550/89867 DOI: 10.7203/PUV-OA-593-1

LIST OF CHARACTERS

HEROD King of Judea

DORIS Herod’s first wife

MARIAM Herod’s second wife

SALOME Herod’s sister

ANTIPATER his son by Doris

ALEXANDRA Mariam’s brother

SILLEUS Prince of Arabia

CONSTABARUS husband to Salome

PHERORAS Herod’s brother

GRAPHINA his love

Babas’ first son

Babas’ second son

ANNANNELL the high priest

SOHEMUS a counsellor to Herod

NUNTIUS a messenger

BUTLER another messenger

CHORUS a company of Jews

SILLEUS’ MAN

SOLDIER

1.1

([Enter] Mariam.)

MARIAM

How oft have I with public voice run on 1

To censure Rome’s last hero for deceit 2

Because he wept when Pompey’s life was gone, 3

Yet when he lived, he thought his name too great! 4

But now I do recant, and, Roman lord, 5

Excuse too rash a judgement in a woman. 6

My sex pleads pardon, pardon then afford; 7

Mistaking is with us but too too common. 8

Now do I find by self-experience taught: 9

One object yields both grief and joy! 10

You wept indeed when on his worth you thought, 11

But joyed that slaughter did your foe destroy. 12

So at his death your eyes true drops did rain 13

Whom dead you did not wish alive again. 14

When Herod lived, that now is done to death, 15

Oft have I wished that I from him were free, 16

Oft have I wished that he might lose his breath, 17

Oft have I wished his carcass dead to see. 18

Then rage and scorn had put my love to flight, 19

That love which once on him was firmly set. 20

Hate hid his true affection from my sight, 21

And kept my heart from paying him his debt. 22

And blame me not, for Herod’s jealousy 23

Had power even constancy itself to change; 24

For he, by barring me from liberty 25

To shun my ranging, taught me first to range. 26

But yet too chaste a scholar was my heart 27

To learn to love another than my lord; 28

To leave his love, my lesson’s former part, 29

I quickly learned, the other I abhorred. 30

But now his death to memory doth call 31

The tender love that he to Mariam bare– 32

And mine to him. This makes those rivers fall, 33

Which by another thought unmoistened are. 34

For Aristobolus, the loveliest youth 35

That ever did in angel’s shape appear, 36

The cruel Herod was not moved to ruth. 37

Then why grieves Mariam Herod’s death to hear? 38

Why, joy I not the tongue no more shall speak, 39

That yielded forth my brother’s latest doom? 40

Both youth and beauty might thy fury break 41

And both in him did ill befit a tomb. 42

And, worthy grandshire, ill did he requite, 43

His high ascent, alone by thee procured, 44

Except he murdered thee to free the sprite, 45

Which still he thought on earth too long immured. 46

How happy was it that Sohemus’ mind 47

Was moved to pity my distressed estate? 48

Might Herod’s life a trusty servant find, 49

My death to his had been unseparate. 50

These thoughts have power his death to make me bear– 51

Nay more, to wish the news may firmly hold. 52

Yet cannot this repulse some falling tear, 53

That will against my will some grief unfold. 54

And more I owe him for his love to me, 55

The deepest love that ever yet was seen. 56

Yet had I rather much a milkmaid be 57

Than be the monarch of Judea’s queen. 58

It was for naught but love he wished his end 59

Might to my death, but the vaunt-courier prove; 60

But I had rather still be foe than friend 61

To him that saves for hate and kills for love. 62

Hard-hearted Mariam, at thy discontent, 63

What floods of tears have drenched his manly face? 64

How canst thou then so faintly now lament 65

Thy truest lover’s death, a death’s disgrace? 66

Ay, now, mine eyes, you do begin to right 67

The wrongs of your admirer and my lord; 68

Long since you should have put your smiles to flight. 69

Ill doth a widowed eye with joy accord. 70

Why, now methinks the love I bore him then, 71

When virgin freedom left me unrestrained, 72

Doth to my heart begin to creep again. 73

My passion now is far from being feigned. 74

But tears fly back and hide you in your banks: 75

You must not be to Alexandra seen. 76

For if my moan be spied, but little thanks 77

Shall Mariam have from that incensèd queen. 78

1.2

([Enter] Alexandra.)

ALEXANDRA

What means these tears? My Mariam doth mistake! 1

The news we heard did tell the tyrant’s end. 2

What? Weepest thou for thy brother’s murderer’s sake? 3

Will ever wight a tear for Herod spend? 4

My curse pursue his breathless trunk and spirit. 5

Base Edomite, the damnèd Esau’s heir! 6

Must he ere Jacob’s child the crown inherit? 7

Must he, vile wretch, be set in David’s chair? 8

No, David’s soul, within the bosom placed 9

Of our forefather Abraham, was ashamed 10

To see his seat with such a toad disgraced, 11

That seat that hath by Judah’s race been famed. 12

Thou fatal enemy to royal blood, 13

Did not the murder of my boy suffice 14

To stop thy cruel mouth that gaping stood, 15

But must thou dim the mild Hircanus’ eyes, 16

My gracious father, whose too ready hand 17

Did lift this Idumean from the dust? 18

And he, ungrateful caitiff, did withstand 19

The man that did in him most friendly trust! 20

What kingdom’s right could cruel Herod claim? 21

Was he not Esau’s issue, heir of hell? 22

Then what succession can he have but shame? 23

Did not his ancestor his birth-right sell? 24

Oh, yes, he doth from Edom’s name derive 25

His cruel nature, which with blood is fed; 26

That made him me of sire and son deprive. 27

He ever thirsts for blood and blood is red. 28

Weep’st thou because his love to thee was bent? 29

And read’st thou love in crimson characters? 30

Slew he thy friends to work thy heart’s content? 31

No! Hate may justly call that action hers. 32

He gave the sacred priesthood for thy sake 33

To Aristobolus, yet doomed him dead 34

Before his back the ephod warm could make. 35

And ere the miter settled on his head. 36

Oh, had he given my boy no less than right, 37

The double oil should to his forehead bring 38

A double honor, shining doubly bright. 39

His birth anointed him both priest and king. 40

And say my father and my son he slew 41

To royalize by right your prince-born breath, 42

Was love the cause? Can Mariam deem it true 43

That Herod gave commandment for her death? 44

I know, by fits he showed some signs of love, 45

And yet not love but raging lunacy. 46

And this his hate to thee may justly prove 47

That sure he hates Hircanus’ family. 48

Who knows if he, unconstant wavering lord, 49

His love to Doris had renewed again 50

And that he might his bed to her afford? 51

Perchance he wished that Mariam might be slain. 52

MARIAM

Doris! Alas, her time of love was past. 53

Those coals were raked in embers long ago 54

Of Mariam’s love, and she was now disgraced, 55

Nor did I glory in her overthrow. 56

He not a whit his firstborn son esteemed, 57

Because as well as his he was not mine. 58

My children only for his own he deemed, 59

These boys that did descend from royal line, 60

These did he style his heirs to David’s throne. 61

My Alexander, if he live, shall sit 62

In the majestic seat of Solomon. 63

To will it so did Herod think it fit. 64

ALEXANDRA

Why? Who can claim from Alexander’s brood 65

That gold-adorned lion-guarded chair? 66

Was Alexander not of David’s blood? 67

And was not Mariam Alexander’s heir? 68

What more than right could Herod then bestow? 69

And who will think, except for more than right, 70

He did not raise them? For they were not low, 71

But born to wear the crown in his despite. 72

Then send those tears away that are not sent 73

To thee by reason but by passion’s power. 74

Thine eyes to cheer, thy cheeks to smiles be bent, 75

And entertain with joy this happy hour. 76

Felicity, if, when she comes, she finds 77

A mourning habit and a cheerless look, 78

Will think she is not welcome to thy mind 79

And so perchance her lodging will not brook. 80

Oh, keep her whilst thou hast her! If she go, 81

She will not easily return again. 82

Full many a year have I endured in woe, 83

Yet still have sued her presence to obtain. 84

And did not I to her as presents send 85

A table, that best art did beautify 86

Of two, to whom heaven did best feature lend, 87

To woo her love by winning Antony? 88

For when a prince’s favour we do crave, 89

We first their minions’ loves do seek to win; 90

So I, that sought Felicity to have, 91

Did with her minion Antony begin. 92

With double sleight I sought to captivate 93

The warlike lover, but I did not right, 94

For if my gift had born but half the rate, 95

The Roman had been overtaken quite. 96

But now he fared like a hungry guest 97

That to some plenteous festival is gone: 98

Now this, now that, he deems to eat were best. 99

Such choice doth make him let them all alone. 100

The boy’s large forehead first did fairest seem; 101

Then glanced his eye upon my Mariam’s cheek, 102

And that without comparison did deem. 103

What was in either but he most did seek 104

And, thus distracted, either’s beauty’s might 105

Within the other’s excellence was drowned. 106

Too much delight did bar him from delight, 107

For either’s love, the other’s did confound. 108

Where if thy portraiture had only gone, 109

His life from Herod Antony had taken. 110

He would have lovèd thee and thee alone 111

And left the brown Egyptian clean forsaken. 112

And Cleopatra then to seek had been 113

So firm a lover of her wanèd face. 114

Then great Antonius’ fall we had not seen 115

By her that fled to have him hold the chase. 116

Then Mariam, in a Roman’s chariot set, 117

In place of Cleopatra might have shown: 118

A mart of beauties in her visage met, 119

And part in this, that they were all her own. 120

MARIAM

Not to be Empress of aspiring Rome 121

Would Mariam like to Cleopatra live. 122

With purest body will I press my tomb 123

And wish no favours Antony could give. 124

ALEXANDRA

Let us retire us, that we may resolve 125

How now to deal in this reversèd state. 126

Great are th’affairs that we must now revolve 127

And great affairs must not be taken late. 128

1.3

([Enter] Salome.)

SALOME

More plotting yet? Why? Now you have the thing 1

For which so oft you spent your suppliant breath; 2

And Mariam hopes to have another king. 3

Her eyes do sparkle joy for Herod’s death. 4

ALEXANDRA

If she desired another king to have, 5

She might before she came in Herod’s bed 6

Have had her wish. More kings than one did crave 7

For leave to set a crown upon her head. 8

I think with more than reason she laments 9

That she is freed from such a sad annoy. 10

Who is’t will weep to part from discontents? 11

And if she joy, she did not causeless joy. 12

SALOME

You durst not thus have given your tongue the rein, 13

If noble Herod still remained in life. 14

Your daughter’s betters far, I dare maintain, 15

Might have rejoiced to be my brother’s wife. 16

MARIAM

My “betters far”! Base woman ‘tis untrue! 17

You scarce have ever my superiors seen, 18

For Mariam’s servants were as good as you 19

Before she came to be Judaea’s Queen. 20

SALOME

Now stirs the tongue that is so quickly moved, 21

But more than once your choler have I born, 22

Your fumish words are sooner said than proved, 23

And Salome’s reply is only scorn. 24

MARIAM

Scorn those that are for thy companions held. 25

Though I thy brother’s face had never seen, 26

My birth thy baser birth so far excelled, 27

I had to both of you the princess been. 28

Thou parti-Jew, and parti-Edomite, 29

Thou mongrel, issued from rejected race! 30

Thy ancestors against the heavens did fight, 31

And thou, like them, wilt heavenly birth disgrace. 32

SALOME

Still twit you me with nothing but my birth? 33

What odds betwixt your ancestors and mine? 34

Both born of Adam, both were made of earth 35

And both did come from holy Abraham’s line. 36

MARIAM

I favour thee when nothing else I say. 37

With thy black acts I’ll not pollute my breath; 38

Else to thy charge I might full justly lay 39

A shameful life, besides a husband’s death. 40

SALOME

’Tis true indeed, I did the plots reveal 41

That passed betwixt your favorites and you. 42

I meant not, I, a traitor to conceal. 43

Thus Salome your minion Joseph slew. 44

MARIAM

Heaven, dost thou mean this infamy to smother? 45

Let slandered Mariam ope thy closed ear! 46

Self-guilt hath ever been suspicion’s mother 47

And, therefore, I this speech with patience bear. 48

No, had not Salome’s unsteadfast heart, 49

In Josephus’ stead her Constabarus placed, 50

To free herself she had not used the art 51

To slander hapless Mariam for unchaste. 52

ALEXANDRA

Come, Mariam, let us go; it is no boot 53

To let the head contend against the foot. 54

([Exeunt Mariam and Alexandra.])

1.4

SALOME

Lives Salome to get so base a style 1

As foot to the proud Mariam? Herod’s spirit 2

In happy time for her endured exile, 3

For, did he live, she should not miss her merit. 4

But he is dead, and though he were my brother, 5

His death such store of cinders cannot cast 6

My coals of love to quench; for though they smother 7

The flames a while, yet will they out at last. 8

Oh, blessed Arabia, in best climate placed! 9

I by the fruit will censure of the tree. 10

’Tis not in vain thy happy name thou hast 11

If all Arabians like Silleus be. 12

Had not my fate been too too contrary, 13

When I on Constabarus first did gaze, 14

Silleus had been object to mine eye, 15

Whose looks and personage must all eyes amaze. 16

But now, ill-fated Salome, thy tongue 17

To Constabarus by itself is tied; 18

And now, except I do the Hebrew wrong, 19

I cannot be the fair Arabian bride. 20

What childish lets are these? Why stand I now 21

On honorable points? ‘Tis long ago 22

Since shame was written on my tainted brow, 23

And certain ‘tis, that shame is honor’s foe. 24

Had I upon my reputation stood, 25

Had I affected an unspotted life, 26

Josephus’ veins had still been stuffed with blood 27

And I to him had lived a sober wife. 28

Then, had I never cast an eye of love 29

On Constabarus’ now-detested face, 30

Then had I kept my thoughts without remove 31

And blushed at motion of the least disgrace. 32

But shame is gone, and honor wiped away, 33

And impudency on my forehead sits. 34

She bids me work my will without delay 35

And for my will I will employ my wits. 36

He loves, I love; what then can be the cause 37

Keeps me from being the Arabian’s wife? 38

It is the principles from Moses’ laws, 39

For Constabarus still remains in life. 40

If he to me did bear as earnest hate 41

As I to him, for him there were an ease: 42

A separating bill might free his fate 43

From such a yoke that did so much displease. 44

Why should such privilege to man be given? 45

Or, given to them, why barred from women then? 46

Are men than we in greater grace with heaven? 47

Or cannot women hate as well as men? 48

I’ll be the custom-breaker and begin 49

To show my sex the way to freedom’s door. 50

And with an offering will I purge my sin. 51

The law was made for none but who are poor. 52

If Herod had lived, I might to him accuse 53

My present lord but for the future’s sake. 54

Then would I tell the king he did refuse 55

The sons of Babas in his power to take. 56

But now I must divorce him from my bed, 57

That my Silleus may possess his room. 58

Had I not begged his life, he had been dead. 59

I curse my tongue, the hinderer of his doom. 60

But then my wandering heart to him was fast, 61

Nor did I dream of change. Silleus said 62

He would be here, and see he comes at last! 63

Had I not named him, longer had he stayed! 64

1.5

([Enter] Silleus.)

SILLEUS

Well found, fair Salome, Judaea’s pride! 1

Hath thy innated wisdom found the way 2

To make Silleus deem him deified, 3

By gaining thee, a more than precious prey? 4

SALOME

I have devised the best I can devise. 5

A more imperfect means was never found, 6

But what cares Salome? It doth suffice 7

If our endeavors with their end be crowned. 8

In this our land we have an ancient use, 9

Permitted first by our law-giver’s head: 10

Who hates his wife, though for no just abuse, 11

May with a bill divorce her from his bed. 12

But, in this custom, women are not free. 13

Yet I for once will wrest it; blame not thou 14

The ill I do, since what I do’s for thee. 15

Though others blame, Silleus should allow. 16

SILLEUS

Thinks Salome Silleus hath a tongue 17

To censure her fair actions? Let my blood 18

Bedash my proper brow, for such a wrong, 19

The being yours, can make even vices good. 20

Arabia, joy! Prepare thy earth with green! 21

Thou never happy wert indeed till now. 22

Now shall thy ground be trod by beauty’s queen; 23

Her foot is destined to depress thy brow. 24

Thou shalt, fair Salome, command as much 25

As if the royal ornament were thine; 26

The weakness of Arabia’s king is such; 27

The kingdom is not his so much as mine. 28

My mouth is our Obodas’ oracle, 29

Who thinks not aught but what Silleus will. 30

And thou, rare creature, Asia’s miracle, 31

Shalt be to me as it: Obodas’ still. 32

SALOME

’Tis not for glory I thy love accept, 33

Judaea yields me honors worthy store. 34

Had not affection in my bosom crept, 35

My native country should my life deplore. 36

Were not Silleus he with whom I go, 37

I would not change my Palestine for Rome; 38

Much less would I, a glorious state to show, 39

Go far to purchase an Arabian tomb. 40

SILLEUS

Far be it from Silleus so to think. 41

I know it is thy gratitude requites 42

The love that is in me, and shall not shrink 43

Till death do sever me from earth’s delights. 44

SALOME

But whist! Methinks the wolf is in our talk. 45

Be gone, Silleus. Who doth here arrive? 46

’Tis Constabarus that doth hither walk. 47

I’ll find a quarrel, him from me to drive. 48

SILLEUS

Farewell, but were it not for thy command, 49

In his despite Silleus here would stand. 50

([Exit.])

1.6 [Enter] Constabarus.

CONSTABARUS

O Salome, how much you wrong your name, 1

Your race, your country and your husband most! 2

A stranger’s private conference is shame. 3

I blush for you, that have your blushing lost. 4

Oft have I found, and found you to my grief, 5

Consorted with this base Arabian here. 6

Heaven knows that you have been my comfort chief; 7

Then do not now my greater plague appear. 8

Now, by the stately carvèd edifice 9

That on Mount Zion makes so fair a show, 10

And by the altar fit for sacrifice, 11

I love thee more than thou thyself dost know. 12

Oft with a silent sorrow have I heard 13

How ill Judaea’s mouth doth censure thee, 14

And, did I not thine honour much regard. 15

Thou shouldst not be exhorted thus for me. 16

Didst thou but know the worth of honest fame? 17

How much a virtuous woman is esteemed? 18

Thou wouldst like hell eschew deservèd shame 19

And seek to be both chaste and chastely deemed. 20

Our wisest prince did say, and true he said: 21

A virtuous woman crowns her husband’s head. 22

SALOME

Did I for this uprear thy low estate? 23

Did I for this requital beg thy life, 24

That thou hadst forfeited to hapless fate? 25

To be to such a thankless wretch the wife! 26

This hand of mine hath lifted up thy head, 27

Which many a day ago had fallen full low, 28

Because the sons of Babas are not dead. 29

To me thou dost both life and fortune owe. 30

CONSTABARUS

You have my patience often exercised. 31

Use, make my choler keep within the banks! 32

Yet boast no more, but be by me advised: 33

A benefit upbraided forfeits thanks. 34

I prithee, Salome, dismiss this mood. 35

Thou dost not know how ill it fits thy place. 36

My words were all intended for thy good, 37

To raise thine honour and to stop disgrace. 38

SALOME

‘To stop disgrace’? Take thou no care for me. 39

Nay, do thy worst! Thy worst I set not by. 40

No shame of mine is like to light on thee, 41

Thy love and admonitions I defy! 42

Thou shalt no hour longer call me wife. 43

Thy jealousy procures my hate so deep 44

That I from thee do mean to free my life 45

By a divorcing bill before I sleep. 46

CONSTABARUS

Are Hebrew women now transformed to men? 47

Why do you not as well our battles fight 48

And wear our armour? Suffer this, and then 49

Let all the world be topsy-turnèd quite. 50

Let fishes graze, beasts swim and birds descend, 51

Let fire burn downwards whilst the earth aspires. 52

Let winter’s heat and summer’s cold offend, 53

Let thistles grow on vines and grapes on briars. 54

Set us to spin or sew, or, at the best. 55

Make us wood-hewers, water-bearing wights. 56

For sacred service let us take no rest. 57

Use us as Joshua did the Gibeonites. 58

SALOME

Hold on your talk, till it be time to end. 59

For me I am resolved it shall be so. 60

Though I be first that to this course do bend, 61

I shall not be the last, full well I know. 62

CONSTABARUS

Why, then, be witness, heaven, the judge of sins; 63

Be witness, spirits that eschew the dark; 64

Be witness, angels; witness, cherubins, 65

Whose semblance sits upon the holy Ark. 66

Be witness, earth; be witness, Palestine; 67

Be witness, David’s City, if my heart 68

Did ever merit such an act of thine, 69

Or if the fault be mine that makes us part. 70

Since mildest Moses, friend unto the Lord, 71

Did work his wonders in the land of Ham, 72

And slew the first-born babes without a sword, 73

In sign whereof we eat the holy lamb, 74

Till now that fourteen hundred years are past, 75

Since first the law with us hath been in force. 76

You are the first and, will I hope, be last, 77

That ever sought her husband to divorce. 78

SALOME

I mean not to be led by precedent, 79

My will shall be to me instead of law. 80

CONSTABARUS

I fear me much you will too late repent 81

That you have ever lived so void of awe. 82

This is Silleus’ love that makes you thus 83

Reverse all order; you must next be his. 84

But if my thoughts aright the cause discuss, 85

In winning you, he gains no lasting bliss. 86

I was Silleus, and not long ago 87

Josephus then was Constabarus now. 88

When you became my friend, you proved his foe, 89

As now for him you break to me your vow. 90

SALOME

If once I loved you, greater is your debt; 91

For certain ’tis that you deserved it not. 92

And undeservèd love we soon forget, 93

And, therefore, that to me can be no blot. 94

But now fare ill, my once belovèd lord, 95

Yet never more beloved than now abhorred. 96

([Exit.])

CONSTABARUS

Yet, Constabarus biddeth thee farewell. 97

Farewell, light creature. Heaven forgive thy sin! 98

My prophesying spirit doth foretell 99

Thy wavering thoughts do yet but new begin. 100

Yet I have better ’scaped than Joseph did; 101

But if our Herod’s death had been delayed, 102

The valiant youths that I so long have hid, 103

Had been by her, and I for them, betrayed. 104

Therefore, in happy hour did Caesar give 105

The fatal blow to wanton Antony. 106

For, had he lived, our Herod then should live, 107

But great Antonius’ death made Herod die. 108

Had he enjoyed his breath, not I alone 109

Had been in danger of a deadly fall; 110

But Mariam had the way of peril gone, 111

Though by the tyrant most beloved of all. 112

The sweet-faced Mariam, as free from guilt 113

As heaven from spots; yet had her lord come back 114

Her purest blood had been unjustly spilt, 115

And Salome it was would work her wrack. 116

Though all Judaea yield her innocent, 117

She often hath been near to punishment. 118

([Exit.])

(1 CHORUS)

CHORUS

Those minds that wholly dote upon delight, 119

Except they only joy in inward good, 120

Still hope at last to hop upon the right, 121

And so from sand they leap in loathsome mud. 122

Fond wretches, seeking what they cannot find, 123

For no content attends a wavering mind. 124

If wealth they do desire and wealth attain, 125

Then wondrous fain would they to honor leap. 126

If mean degree they do in honor gain, 127

They would but wish a little higher step. 128

Thus, step to step and wealth to wealth, they add, 129

Yet cannot all their plenty make them glad. 130

Yet oft we see that some in humble state 131

Are cheerful, pleasant, happy and content, 132

When those indeed that are of higher state 133

With vain additions do their thoughts torment. 134

Th’one would to his mind his fortune bind, 135

Th’other to his fortune frames his mind. 136

To wish variety is sign of grief, 137

For if you like your state as now it is, 138

Why should an alteration bring relief? 139

Nay, change would then be feared as loss of bliss. 140

That man is only happy in his fate, 141

That is delighted in a settled state. 142

Still Mariam wished she from her lord were free, 143

For expectation of variety; 144

Yet, now she sees her wishes prosperous be; 145

She grieves because her lord so soon did die. 146

Who can those vast imaginations feed 147

Where in a property contempt doth breed? 148

Were Herod now perchance to live again, 149

She would again as much be grieved at that. 150

All that she may, she ever doth disdain; 151

Her wishes guide her to she knows not what. 152

And sad must be their looks, their honor sour, 153

That care for nothing being in their power. 154

2.1

([Enter] Pheroras and Graphina.)

PHERORAS

‘Tis true, Graphina, now the time draws nigh 1

Wherein the holy priest with hallowed right 2

The happy long desirèd knot shall tie 3

Pheroras and Graphina to unite. 4

How oft have I with lifted hands implored 5

This blessed hour, till now implored in vain, 6

Which hath my wishèd liberty restored 7

And made my subject self my own again. 8

Thy love, fair maid, upon mine eye doth sit, 9

Whose nature hot doth dry the moisture all, 10

Which were, in nature and in reason, fit 11

For my monarchal brother’s death to fall. 12

Had Herod lived, he would have plucked my hand 13

From fair Graphina’s palm perforce, and tied 14

The same in hateful and despisèd band, 15

For I had had a baby to my bride. 16

Scarce can her infant tongue with easy voice 17

Her name distinguish to another’s ear; 18

Yet had he lived, his power and not my choice 19

Had made me solemnly the contract swear. 20

Have I not cause in such a change to joy? 21

What though she be my niece, a princess born? 22

Near blood’s without respect, high birth a toy, 23

Since love can teach us blood and kindred’s scorn. 24

What booted it that he did raise my head 25

To be his realm’s co-partner, kingdom’s mate? 26

Withal, he kept Graphina from my bed, 27

More wished by me than thrice Judea’s state. 28

Oh, could not he be skillful judge in love, 29

That doted so upon his Mariam’s face? 30

He, for his passion, Doris did remove. 31

I needed not a lawful wife displace. 32

It could not be but he had power to judge! 33

But he that never grudged a kingdom’s share 34

This well-known happiness to me did grudge 35

And meant to be therein without compare, 36

Else had I been his equal in love’s host. 37

For though the diadem on Mariam’s head 38

Corrupt the vulgar judgements, I will boast 39

Graphina’s brow’s as white, her cheeks as red. 40

Why speaks thou not, fair creature? Move thy tongue, 41

For silence is a sign of discontent. 42

It were to both our loves too great a wrong 43

If now this hour do find thee sadly bent. 44

GRAPHINA

Mistake me not, my lord. Too oft have I 45

Desired this time to come with wingèd feet 46

To be enwrapped with grief when ‘tis too nigh. 47

You know my wishes ever yours did meet. 48

If I be silent, ‘tis no more but fear 49

That I should say too little when I speak. 50

But since you will my imperfections bear, 51

In spite of doubt, I will my silence break. 52

Yet might amazement tie my moving tongue, 53

But that I know before Pheroras’ mind. 54

I have admirèd your affection long 55

And cannot yet therein a reason find. 56

Your hand hath lifted me from lowest state 57

To highest eminency, wondrous grace. 58

And me, your hand-maid, have you made your mate, 59

Though all but you alone do count me base. 60

You have preserved me pure at my request, 61

Though you so weak a vassal might constrain 62

To yield to your high will. Then, last not best, 63

In my respect a princess you disdain. 64

Then need not all these favors study crave 65

To be requited by a simple maid? 66

And study still, you know, must silence have. 67

Then be my cause for silence justly weighed. 68

But study cannot boot, nor I requite, 69

Except your lowly hand-maid’s steadfast love 70

And fast obedience may your mind delight. 71

I will not promise more than I can prove. 72

PHERORAS

That study needs not. Let Graphina smile 73

And I desire no greater recompense. 74

I cannot vaunt me in a glorious style 75

Nor show my love in far-fetched eloquence. 76

But this believe me: Never Herod’s heart 77

Hath held his prince-borne beauty famèd wife 78

In nearer place than thou, fair virgin, art 79

To him that holds thee glory of his life. 80

Should Herod’s body leave the sepulcher 81

And entertain the severed ghost again, 82

He should not be my nuptial hinderer, 83

Except he hindered it with dying pain. 84

Come, fair Graphina, let us go in state 85

This wish-endearèd time to celebrate. 86

([Exeunt.])

2.2

([Enter] Constabarus and Sons of Babas.)

1 SON

Now, valiant friend, you have our lives redeemed, 1

Which lives, as saved by you, to you are due. 2

Command and you shall see yourself esteemed. 3

Our lives and liberties belong to you. 4

This twice six years with hazard of your life, 5

You have concealed us from the tyrant’s sword. 6

Though cruel Herod’s sister were your wife, 7

You durst, in scorn of fear, this grace afford. 8

In recompense we know not what to say; 9

A poor reward were thanks for such a merit. 10

Our truest friendship at your feet we lay, 11

The best requital to a noble spirit. 12

CONSTABARUS

Oh, how you wrong our friendship, valiant youth! 13

With friends there is not such a word as debt. 14

Where amity is tied with bond of truth 15

All benefits are there in common set. 16

Then is the golden age with them renewed, 17

All names of properties are banished quite, 18

Division and distinction are eschewed, 19

Each hath to what belongs to others right. 20

And ‘tis not sure so full a benefit 21

Freely to give as freely to require. 22

A bounteous act hath glory following it; 23

They cause the glory that the act desire. 24

All friendship should the pattern imitate 25

Of Jesse’s son and valiant Jonathan, 26

For neither sovereign’s nor father’s hate 27

A friendship fixed on virtue sever can. 28

Too much of this! ’Tis written in the heart 29

And needs no amplifying with the tongue. 30

Now may you from your living tomb depart, 31

Where Herod’s life hath kept you overlong; 32

Too great an injury to a noble mind, 33

To be quick buried. You had purchased fame 34

Some years ago, but that you were confined, 35

While thousand meaner did advance their name. 36

Your best of life, the prime of all your years, 37

Your time of action is from you bereft. 38

Twelve winters have you overpassed in fears; 39

Yet, if you use it well, enough is left. 40

And who can doubt but you will use it well? 41

The sons of Babas have it by descent 42

In all their thoughts each action to excel, 43

Boldly to act and wisely to invent. 44

2 SON

Had it not like the hateful cuckoo been, 45

Whose riper age his infant nurse doth kill, 46

So long we had not kept ourselves unseen; 47

But Constabarus’ safety crossed our will. 48

For, had the tyrant fixed his cruel eye 49

On our concealed faces, wrath had swayed 50

His justice so that he had forced us die 51

And dearer price than life we should have paid. 52

For you our truest friend had fallen with us, 53

And we, much like a house on pillars set, 54

Had clean depressed our prop; and, therefore, thus 55

Our ready will with our concealment met. 56

But now that you, fair lord, are dangerless, 57

The sons of Babas shall their rigor show 58

And prove it was not baseness did oppress 59

Our hearts so long, but honour kept them low. 60

2 SON

Yet do I fear this tale of Herod’s death 61

At last will prove a very tale indeed; 62

It gives me strongly in my mind his breath 63

Will be preserved to make a number bleed. 64

I wish not, therefore, to be set at large. 65

Yet peril to myself I do not fear. 66

Let us for some days longer be your charge 67

Till we of Herod’s state the truth do hear. 68

CONSTABARUS

What? Art thou turned a coward, noble youth, 69

That thou begin’st to doubt undoubted truth? 70

1 SON

Were it my brother’s tongue that cast this doubt, 71

I from his heart would have the question out 72

With this keen falchion! But ‘tis you, my lord, 73

Against whose head I must not lift a sword. 74

I am so tied in gratitude. 75

CONSTABARUS

Believe

You have no cause to take it ill. 76

If any word of mine your heart did grieve, 77

The word dissented from the speaker’s will. 78

I know it was not fear the doubt begun, 79

But rather valour and your care of me; 80

A coward could not be your father’s son, 81

Yet know I doubts unnecessary be. 82

For who can think that in Antonius’ fall 83

Herod, his bosom friend, should ‘scape unbruised? 84

Then, Caesar, we might thee an idiot call, 85

If thou by him shouldst be so far abused. 86

2 SON

Lord Constabarus, let me tell you this: 87

Upon submission Caesar will forgive. 88

And, therefore, though the tyrant did amiss, 89

It may fall out that he will let him live. 90

Not many years agone it is since I, 91

Directed thither by my father’s care, 92

In famous Rome for twice twelve months did lie, 93

My life from Hebrews’ cruelty to spare. 94

There, though I were but yet of boyish age, 95

I bent mine eye to mark, mine ears to hear, 96

Where I did see Octavius, then a page, 97

When first he did to Julius’ sight appear. 98

Methought I saw such mildness in his face, 99

And such a sweetness in his looks did grow, 100

Withal, commixed with so majestic grace, 101

His physiognomy his fortune did foreshow. 102

For this I am indebted to mine eye, 103

But then mine ear received more evidence. 104

By that I knew his love to clemency, 105

How he with hottest choler could dispense. 106

CONSTABARUS

But we have more than barely heard the news! 107

It hath been twice confirmed. And though some tongue 108

Might be so false with false report t’abuse, 109

A false report hath never lasted long. 110

But be it so that Herod have his life, 111

Concealment would not then a whit avail; 112

For certain ‘tis that she that was my wife 113

Would not to set her accusation fail. 114

And, therefore, now as good the venture give 115

And free ourselves from blot of cowardice 116

As show a pitiful desire to live. 117

For, who can pity but they must despise? 118

1 SON

I yield, but to necessity I yield, 119

I dare upon this doubt engage mine arm: 120

That Herod shall again this kingdom wield 121

And prove his death to be a false alarm. 122

2 SON

I doubt it, too! God grant it be an error. 123

‘Tis best without a cause to be in terror. 124

And rather had I, though my soul be mine, 125

My soul should lie than prove a true divine. 126

CONSTABARUS

Come, come, let fear go seek a dastard’s nest! 127

Undaunted courage lies in a noble breast. 128

([Exeunt.])

2.3

([Enter] Doris and Antipater.)

DORIS

You, royal buildings, bow your lofty side, 1

And stoop to her that is by right your queen! 2

Let your humility upbraid the pride 3

Of those in whom no due respect is seen! 4

Nine times have we, with trumpets’ haughty sound 5

And banishing sour leaven from our taste, 6

Observed the feast that takes the fruit from ground, 7

Since I, fair city, did behold thee last. 8

So long it is since Mariam’s purer cheek 9

Did rob from mine the glory, and so long 10

Since I returned my native town to seek, 11

And with me nothing but the sense of wrong, 12

And thee, my boy, whose birth though great it were, 13

Yet have thy after-fortunes proved but poor. 14

When thou wert born, how little did I fear 15

Thou shouldst be thrust from forth thy father’s door! 16

Art thou not Herod’s right begotten son? 17

Was not the hapless Doris Herod’s wife? 18

Yes, ere he had the Hebrew kingdom won, 19

I was companion to his private life. 20

Was I not fair enough to be a queen? 21

Why, ere thou wert to me, false monarch, tied, 22

My lack of beauty might as well be seen 23

As after I had lived five years thy bride. 24

Yet, then thine oaths came pouring like the rain, 25

Which all affirmed my face without compare, 26

And that, if thou mightst Doris’ love obtain, 27

For all the world besides thou didst not care. 28

Then was I young, and rich, and nobly born, 29

And, therefore, worthy to be Herod’s mate. 30

Yet thou, ungrateful, cast me off with scorn, 31

When heaven’s purpose raised your meaner fate. 32

Oft have I begged for vengeance for this fact 33

And with dejected knees, aspiring hands, 34

Have prayed the highest power to enact 35

The fall of her that on my trophy stands. 36

Revenge I have according to my will, 37

Yet where I wished, this vengeance did not light; 38

I wished it should high-hearted Mariam kill; 39

But it against my whilom lord did fight. 40

With thee, sweet boy, I came, and came to try 41

If thou before his bastard’s might be placed 42

In Herod’s royal seat and dignity. 43

But Mariam’s infants here are only graced, 44

And now for us there doth no hope remain. 45

Yet we will not return till Herod’s end 46

Be more confirmed. Perchance he is not slain; 47

So glorious fortunes may my boy attend. 48

For if he live, he’ll think it doth suffice 49

That he to Doris shows such cruelty, 50

For, as he did my wretched life despise, 51

So do I know I shall despised die. 52

Let him but prove as natural to thee 53

As cruel to thy miserable mother, 54

His cruelty shall not upbraided be 55

But in thy fortunes I his faults will smother. 56

ANTIPATER

Each mouth within the city loudly cries 57

That Herod’s death is certain. Therefore we 58

Had best some subtle hidden plot devise, 59

That Mariam’s children might subverted be 60

By poison’s drink, or else by murderous knife, 61

So we may be advanced, it skills not how. 62

They are but bastards, you were Herod’s wife, 63

And foul adultery blotteth Mariam’s brow. 64

DORIS

They are too strong to be by us removed, 65

Or else revenge’s foulest spotted face 66

By our detested wrongs might be approved. 67

But weakness must to greater power give place. 68

But let us now retire to grieve alone, 69

For solitariness best fitteth moan. 70

([Exeunt.])

2.4

([Enter] Silleus and Constabarus.)

SILLEUS

Well met, Judaean lord, the only wight 1

Silleus wished to see! I am to call 2

Thy tongue to strict account. 3

CONSTABARUS

For what despite?

I ready am to hear and answer all. 4

But if directly at the cause I guess 5

That breeds this challenge, you must pardon me 6

And now some other ground of fight profess, 7

For I have vowed; vows must unbroken be. 8

SILLEUS

What may be your exception? Let me know. 9

CONSTABARUS

Why? Aught concerning Salome. My sword 10

Shall not be wielded for a cause so low; 11

A blow for her my arm will scorn t’afford. 12

SILLEUS

It is for slandering her unspotted name; 13

And I will make thee, in thy vow’s despite, 14

Suck up the breath that did my mistress blame 15

And swallow it again to do her right. 16

CONSTABARUS

I prithee, give some other quarrel ground 17

To find beginning. Rail against my name, 18

Or strike me first, or let some scarlet wound 19

Inflame my courage; give me words of shame; 20

Do thou our Moses’ sacred laws disgrace; 21

Deprave our nation, do me some despite. 22

I’m apt enough to fight in any case, 23

But yet for Salome I will not fight. 24

SILLEUS

Nor I for aught but Salome. My sword, 25

That owes his service to her sacred name, 26

Will not an edge for other cause afford; 27

In other fight I am not sure of fame. 28

CONSTABARUS

For her, I pity thee enough already; 29

For her, I therefore will not mangle thee. 30

A woman with a heart so most unsteady 31

Will of herself sufficient torture be. 32

I cannot envy for so light a gain, 33

Her mind with such unconstancy doth run; 34

As with a word thou didst her love obtain, 35

So with a word she will from thee be won. 36

So light as her possessions for most day 37

Is her affections lost. To me ’tis known: 38

As good go hold the wind as make her stay. 39

She never loves but till she call her own. 40

She merely is a painted sepulchre 41

That is both fair and vilely foul at once; 42

Though on her outside graces garnish her, 43

Her mind is filled with worse than rotten bones 44

And ever ready lifted is her hand 45

To aim destruction at a husband’s throat. 46

For proofs, Josephus and myself do stand, 47

Though once on both of us she seemed to dote. 48

Her mouth, though serpent-like, it never hisses, 49

Yet, like a serpent, poisons where it kisses. 50

SILLEUS

Well, Hebrew, well thou bark’st but wilt not bite. 51

CONSTABARUS

I tell thee still, for her I will not fight. 52

SILLEUS

Why, then, I call thee coward. 53

CONSTABARUS

From my heart

I give thee thanks. A coward’s hateful name 54

Cannot to valiant minds a blot impart 55

And, therefore, I with joy receive the same. 56

Thou know’st I am no coward. Thou wert by 57

At the Arabian battle th’other day; 58

And saw’st my sword with daring valiancy 59

Amongst the faint Arabians cut my way. 60

The blood of foes no more could let it shine, 61

And ’twas enamellèd with some of thine. 62

But now, have at thee! Not for Salome 63

I fight, but to discharge a coward’s style. 64

Here ’gins the fight that shall not parted be 65

Before a soul or two endure exile. 66

([They fight.])

SILLEUS

Thy sword hath made some windows for my blood, 67

To show a horrid crimson physiognomy. 68

To breathe, for both of us methinks ‘twere good. 69

The day will give us time enough to die. 70

CONSTABARUS

With all my heart, take breath. Thou shalt have time 71

And, if thou list, a twelvemonth. Let us end. 72

Into thy cheeks there doth a paleness climb; 73

Thou canst not from my sword thyself defend. 74

What needest thou for Salome to fight? 75

Thou hast her, and mayst keep her; none strives for her. 76

I willingly to thee resign my right, 77

For in my very soul I do abhor her. 78

Thou sees’t that I am fresh, unwounded yet; 79

Then not for fear I do this offer make. 80

Thou art, with loss of blood, to fight unfit, 81

For here is one and there another take. 82

SILLEUS

I will not leave as long as breath remains 83

Within my wounded body. Spare your words. 84

My heart in blood’s stead, courage entertains; 85

Salome’s love no place for fear affords. 86

CONSTABARUS

Oh, could thy soul but prophesy like mine, 87

I would not wonder thou shouldst long to die! 88

For Salome, if I aright divine, 89

Will be than death a greater misery. 90

SILLEUS

Then list; I’ll breath no longer. 91

CONSTABARUS

Do thy will.

I hateless fight, and charitably kill. 92

(They fight.)

Pity thyself, Silleus, let not death 93

Intrude before his time into thy heart! 94

Alas, it is too late to fear; his breath 95

Is from his body now about to part. 96

How far’st thou, brave Arabian? 97

SILLEUS

Very well.

My leg is hurt, I can no longer fight. 98

It only grieves me that so soon I fell, 99

Before fair Salome’s wrongs I came to right. 100

CONSTABARUS

Thy wounds are less than mortal. Never fear. 101

Thou shalt a safe and quick recovery find. 102

Come, I will thee unto my lodging bear. 103

I hate thy body, but I love thy mind. 104

SILLEUS

Thanks, noble Jew. I see a courteous foe. 105

Stern enmity to friendship can no art. 106

Had not my heart and tongue engaged me so, 107

I would from thee no foe, but friend, depart. 108

My heart to Salome is tied too fast 109

To leave her love for friendship; yet my skill 110

Shall be employed to make your favour last 111

And I will honor Constabarus still. 112

CONSTABARUS

I ope my bosom to thee and will take 113

Thee in, as friend, and grieve for thy complaint. 114

But if we do not expedition make, 115

Thy loss of blood, I fear, will make thee faint. 116

([Exeunt.])

(2 CHORUS)

CHORUS

To hear a tale with ears prejudicate, 117

It spoils the judgment and corrupts the sense. 118

That human error given to every state 119

Is greater enemy to innocence. 120

It makes us foolish, heady, rash, unjust, 121

It makes us never try before we trust. 122

It will confound the meaning, change the words, 123

For it our sense of hearing much deceives. 124

Besides, no time to judgement it affords 125

To weigh the circumstance our ear receives. 126

The ground of accidents it never tries, 127

But makes us take for truth ten thousand lies. 128

Our ears and hearts are apt to hold for good 129

That we ourselves do most desire to be, 130

And then we drown objections in the flood 131

Of partiality. ’Tis that we see 132

That makes false rumors long with credit passed, 133

Though they, like rumors, must conclude at last. 134

The greatest part of us prejudicate 135

With wishing Herod’s death do hold it true. 136

The being once deluded doth not bate 137

The credit to a better likelihood due. 138

Those few that wish it not, the multitude, 139

Do carry headlong so they doubts conclude. 140

They not object the weak uncertain ground 141

Whereon they built this tale of Herod’s end, 142

Whereof the author scarcely can be found 143

And all because their wishes that way bend. 144

They think not of the peril that ensu’th, 145

If this should prove the contrary to truth. 146

On this same doubt, on this so light a breath, 147

They pawn their lives and fortunes, for they all 148

Behave them as the news of Herod’s death 149

They did of most undoubted credit call. 150

But if their actions now do rightly hit, 151

Let them commend their fortune, not their wit. 152

3.1

([Enter] Pheroras [and] Salome.)

PHERORAS

Urge me no more Graphina to forsake. 1

Not twelve hours since I married her for love! 2

And do you think a sister’s power can make 3

A resolute decree so soon remove? 4

SALOME

Poor minds they are that honor not affects. 5

PHERORAS

Who hunts for honor, happiness neglects. 6

SALOME

You might have been both of felicity 7

And honour too in equal measure seized. 8

PHERORAS

It is not you can tell so well as I 9

What ’tis can make me happy or displeased. 10

SALOME

To match for neither beauty nor respects 11

One mean of birth, but yet of meaner mind, 12

A woman full of natural defects! 13

I wonder what your eye in her could find. 14

PHERORAS

Mine eye found loveliness, mine ear found wit, 15

To please the one and to enchant the other. 16

Grace on her eye, mirth on her tongue doth sit; 17

In looks a child, in wisdom’s house a mother. 18

SALOME

But say you thought her fair, as none thinks else! 19

Knows not Pheroras beauty is a blast? 20

Much like this flower which today excels, 21

But longer than a day it will not last. 22

PHERORAS

Her wit exceeds her beauty. 23

SALOME

Wit may show 24

The way to ill as well as good you know. 25

PHERORAS

But wisdom is the porter of her head 26

And bars all wicked words from issuing thence. 27

SALOME

But of a porter, better were you sped, 28

If she against their entrance made defence. 29

PHERORAS

But wherefore comes the sacred Ananell, 30

That hitherward his hasty steps doth bend? 31

([Enter Ananell.])

Great sacrificer, you’re arrivèd well! 32

Ill news from holy mouth I not attend. 33

3.2

ANANELL

My lips, my son, with peaceful tidings blessed, 1

Shall utter honey to your listening ear. 2

A word of death comes not from priestly breast. 3

I speak of life! In life there is no fear! 4

And for the news I did the heavens salute 5

And filled the Temple with my thankful voice; 6

For though that mourning may not me pollute, 7

At pleasing accidents I may rejoice. 8

PHERORAS

Is Herod then revived from certain death? 9

SALOME

What? Can your news restore my brother’s breath? 10

ANANELL

Both so and so. The king is safe and sound, 11

And did such grace in royal Caesar meet 12

That he with larger style than ever crowned 13

Within this hour Jerusalem will greet. 14

I did but come to tell you and must back 15

To make preparatives for sacrifice. 16

I knew his death your hearts, like mine, did rack, 17

Though to conceal it proved you wise. 18

([Exit.])

SALOME

How can my joy sufficiently appear? 19

PHERORAS

A heavier tale did never pierce mine ear. 20

SALOME

Now Salome of happiness may boast. 21

PHERORAS

But now Pheroras is in danger most. 22

SALOME

I shall enjoy the comfort of my life. 23

PHERORAS

And I shall lose it losing of my wife. 24

SALOME

Joy, heart, for Constabarus shall be slain. 25

PHERORAS

Grieve, soul, Graphina shall from me be ta’en! 26

SALOME

Smile, cheeks, the fair Silleus shall be mine! 27

PHERORAS

Weep, eyes, for I must with a child combine! 28

SALOME

Well, brother, cease your moans. On one condition 29

I’ll undertake to win the king’s consent; 30

Graphina still shall be in your tuition 31

And her with you be ne’er the less content. 32

PHERORAS

What’s the condition? Let me quickly know, 33

That I as quickly your command may act, 34

Were it to see what herbs in Ophir grow 35

Or that the lofty Tyrus might be sacked. 36

SALOME

’Tis not so hard a task. It is no more 37

But tell the king that Constabarus hid 38

The sons of Babas, done to death before. 39

And ’tis no more than Constabarus did. 40

And tell him more that I, for Herod’s sake, 41

Not able to endure our brother’s foe, 42

Did with a bill our separation make, 43

Though loath from Constabarus else to go. 44

PHERORAS

Believe this tale for told, I’ll go from hence 45

In Herod’s ear the Hebrew to deface. 46

And I, that never studied eloquence, 47

Do mean with eloquence this tale to grace. 48

(Exit.)

SALOME

This will be Constabarus’ quick dispatch, 49

Which from my mouth would lesser credit find. 50

Yet shall he not decease without a match, 51

For Mariam shall not linger long behind. 52

First, jealousy; if that avail not, fear 53

Shall be my minister to work her end. 54

A common error moves not Herod’s ear, 55

Which doth so firmly to his Mariam bend. 56

She shall be chargèd with so horrid crime 57

As Herod’s fear shall turn his love to hate. 58

I’ll make some swear that she desires to climb 59

And seeks to poison him for his estate. 60

I scorn that she should live my birth t’upbraid, 61

To call me base and hungry Edomite! 62

With patient show her choler I betrayed 63

And watched the time to be revenged by sleight. 64

Now, tongue of mine, with scandal load her name! 65

Turn hers to fountains, Herod’s eyes to flame! 66

Yet first I will begin Pherora’s suit, 67

That he my earnest business may effect, 68

And I of Mariam will keep me mute 69

Till first some other doth her name detect. 70

([Enter Silleus’ Man.])

Who’s there, Silleus’ man? How fares your lord, 71

That your aspects do bear the badge of sorrow? 72

SILLEUS’ MAN

He hath the marks of Constabarus’ sword, 73

And for a while desires your sight to borrow. 74

SALOME

My heavy curse the hateful sword pursue! 75

My heavier curse on the more hateful arm 76

That wounded my Silleus! But renew 77

Your tale again. Hath he no mortal harm? 78

SILLEUS’ MAN

No sign of danger doth in him appear 79

Nor are his wounds in place of peril seen. 80

He bids you be assured you need not fear; 81

He hopes to make you yet Arabia’s queen. 82

SALOME

Commend my heart to be Silleus’ charge, 83

Tell him, my brother’s sudden coming now 84

Will give my foot no room to walk at large, 85

But I will see him yet ere night, I vow. 86

([Exeunt.])

3.3

([Enter] Mariam and Sohemus.)

MARIAM

Sohemus, tell me what the news may be 1

That makes your eyes so full, your cheeks so blue? 2

SOHEMUS

I know not how to call them. Ill for me 3

’Tis sure they are; not so, I hope, for you. 4

Herod– 5

MARIAM

Oh, what of Herod?

SOHEMUS

Herod lives.

MARIAM

How! Lives? What, in some cave or forest hid? 6

SOHEMUS

Nay, back returned with honor. Caesar gives 7

Him greater grace then e’er Antonius did. 8

MARIAM

Foretell the ruin of my family, 9

Tell me that I shall see our city burned, 10

Tell me I shall a death disgraceful die, 11

But tell me not that Herod is returned. 12

SOHEMUS

Be not impatient, madam, be but mild! 13

His love to you again will soon be bred. 14

MARIAM

I will not to his love be reconciled; 15

With solemn vows I have forsworn his bed. 16

SOHEMUS

But you must break those vows. 17

MARIAM

I’ll rather break

The heart of Mariam. Cursèd is my fate! 18

But speak no more to me, in vain you speak; 19

To live with him I so profoundly hate. 20

SOHEMUS

Great queen, you must to me your pardon give. 21

Sohemus cannot now your will obey. 22

If your command should me to silence drive, 23

It were not to obey, but to betray. 24

Reject and slight my speeches, mock my faith, 25

Scorn my observance, call my counsel naught. 26

Though you regard not what Sohemus saith, 27

Yet will I ever freely speak my thought. 28

I fear ere long I shall fair Mariam see 29

In woeful state and by herself undone. 30

Yet for your issue’s sake more temperate be; 31

The heart by affability is won. 32

MARIAM

And must I to my prison turn again? 33

Oh, now I see I was an hypocrite. 34

I did this morning for his death complain, 35

And yet do mourn because he lives ere night. 36

When I his death believed, compassion wrought 37

And was the stickler ‘twixt my heart and him; 38

But now that curtain’s drawn from off my thought, 39

Hate doth appear again with visage grim 40

And paints the face of Herod in my heart 41

In horrid colors with detested look. 42

Then fear would come, but scorn doth play her part 43

And saith that scorn with fear can never brook. 44

I now I could enchain him with a smile 45

And lead him captive with a gentle word. 46

I scorn my look should ever man beguile 47

Or other speech than meaning to afford. 48

Else Salome in vain might spend her wind; 49

In vain might Herod’s mother whet her tongue; 50

In vain had they complotted and combined, 51

For I could overthrow them all ere long. 52

Oh, what a shelter is mine innocence 53

To shield me from the pangs of inward grief! 54

’Gainst all mishaps it is my fair defence 55

And to my sorrows yields a large relief. 56

To be commandress of the triple earth 57

And sit in safety from a fall secure, 58

To have all nations celebrate my birth, 59

I would not that my spirit were impure. 60

Let my distressèd state unpitied be; 61

Mine innocence is hope enough for me. 62

(Exit.)

SOHEMUS

Poor guiltless queen! Oh, that my wish might place 63

A little temper now about thy heart! 64

Unbridled speech is Mariam’s worst disgrace 65

And will endanger her without desert. 66

I am in greater hazard. O’er my head 67

The fatal axe doth hang unsteadily; 68

My disobedience, once discoverèd, 69

Will shake it down. Sohemus so shall die. 70

For when the king shall find we thought his death 71

Had been as certain as we see his life 72

And marks withal I slighted so his breath 73

As to preserve alive his matchless wife– 74

Nay, more, to give to Alexander’s hand 75

The regal dignity, the sovereign power, 76

How I had yielded up at her command 77

The strength of all the city, David’s Tower– 78

What more than common death may I expect 79

Since I too well do know his cruelty? 80

’Twere death a word of Herod’s to neglect, 81

What then to do directly contrary? 82

Yet life, I quit thee with a willing spirit, 83

And think thou couldst not better be employed; 84

I forfeit thee for her that more doth merit. 85

Ten such were better dead then she destroyed. 86

But fare thee well, chaste queen! Well may I see 87

The darkness palpable and rivers part, 88

The sun stand still; nay, more, retorted be, 89

But never woman with so pure a heart. 90

Thine eyes’ grave majesty keeps all in awe, 91

And cuts the wings of every loose desire; 92

Thy brow is table to the modest law, 93

Yet though we dare not love, we may admire. 94

And if I die, it shall my soul content, 95

My breath in Mariam’s service shall be spent. 96

([Exit.])

CHORUS

’Tis not enough for one that is a wife 97

To keep her spotless from an act of ill, 98

But from suspicion she should free her life 99

And bare herself of power as well as will. 100

’Tis not so glorious for her to be free 101

As by her proper self restrained to be. 102

When she hath spacious ground to walk upon, 103

Why on the ridge should she desire to go? 104

It is no glory to forbear alone 105

Those things that may her honor overthrow. 106

But ‘tis thankworthy if she will not take 107

All lawful liberties for honor’s sake. 108

That wife her hand against her fame doth rear 109

That more than to her lord alone will give 110

A private word to any second ear, 111

And though she may with reputation live, 112

Yet though most chaste, she doth her glory blot 113

And wounds her honor, though she kills it not. 114

When to their husbands they themselves do bind, 115

Do they not wholly give themselves away? 116

Or give they but their body, not their mind, 117

Reserving that, though best, for others’ prey? 118

No, sure, their thoughts no more can be their own, 119

And, therefore, should to none but one be known. 120

Then she usurps upon another’s right, 121

That seeks to be by public language graced; 122

And though her thoughts reflect with purest light, 123

Her mind, if not peculiar, is not chaste. 124

For in a wife it is no worse to find 125

A common body than a common mind. 126

And every mind, though free from thought of ill, 127

That out of glory seeks a worth to show, 128

When any’s ears but one therewith they fill, 129

Doth in a sort her pureness overthrow. 130

Now Mariam had, but that to this she bent, 131

Been free from fear, as well as innocent. 132

4.1

(Enter Herod and his attendants.)

HEROD

Hail, happy city! Happy in thy store! 1

And happy that thy buildings such we see! 2

More happy in the Temple where w’adore, 3

But, most of all, that Mariam lives in thee! 4

(Enter Nuntio.)

Art thou returned? How fares my Mariam? How? 5

NUNTIO

She’s well, my lord, and will anon be here 6

As you commanded. 7

([Exit.])

HEROD

Muffle up thy brow,

Thou day’s dark taper! Mariam will appear 8

And where she shines we need not thy dim light. 9

Oh, haste thy steps, rare creature! Speed thy pace 10

And let thy presence make the day more bright 11

And cheer the heart of Herod with thy face. 12

It is an age since I from Mariam went. 13

Methinks our parting was in David’s days, 14

The hours are so increased by discontent. 15

Deep sorrow, Joshua-like, the season stays, 16

But when I am with Mariam, time runs on. 17

Her sight can make months minutes, days of weeks; 18

An hour is then no sooner come than gone 19

When in her face mine eye for wonders seeks. 20

You, world-commanding city, Europe’s grace, 21

Twice hath my curious eye your streets surveyed 22

And I have seen the statue-fillèd place 23

That once, if not for grief, had been betrayed. 24

I all your Roman beauties have beheld 25

And seen the shows your aediles did prepare. 26

I saw the sum of what in you excelled, 27

Yet saw no miracle like Mariam rare. 28

The fair and famous Livia, Caesar’s love, 29

The worlds commanding mistress did I see, 30

Whose beauties both the world and Rome approve; 31

Yet, Mariam, Livia is not like to thee. 32

Be patient but a little while, mine eyes, 33

Within your compass limits be contained; 34

That object straight shall your desires suffice 35

From which you were so long a while restrained. 36

How wisely Mariam doth the time delay, 37

Lest sudden joy my sense should suffocate! 38

I am prepared; thou need’st no longer stay. 39

Who’s there? My Mariam? More than happy fate! 40

Oh no, it is Pheroras.– Welcome, brother! 41

Now for a while I must my passion smother. 42

4.2

([Enter] Pheroras.)

PHERORAS

All health and safety wait upon my lord 1

And may you long in prosperous fortunes live; 2

With Rome-commanding Caesar at accord 3

And have all honors that the world can give. 4

HEROD

Oh, brother, now thou speak’st not from thy heart. 5

No, thou hast struck a blow at Herod’s love. 6

That cannot quickly from my memory part, 7

Though Salome did me to pardon move. 8

Valiant Phasaelus, now to thee farewell! 9

Thou wert my kind and honorable brother! 10

Oh, hapless hour, when you self-stricken fell, 11

Thou father’s image, glory of thy mother! 12

Had I desired a greater suit of thee 13

Than to withhold thee from a harlot’s bed, 14

Thou wouldst have granted it; but now I see 15

All are not like that in a womb are bred. 16

Thou wouldst not, hadst thou heard of Herod’s death, 17

Have made his burial time, thy bridal hour; 18

Thou wouldst with clamors, not with joyful breath, 19

Have showed the news to be not sweet but sour. 20

PHERORAS

Phasaelus’ great worth I know did stain 21

Pheroras’ petty valour; but they lie, 22

(Excepting you yourself) that dare maintain 23

That he did honor Herod more than I! 24

For what I showed, love’s power constrained me show, 25

And pardon loving faults for Mariam’s sake. 26

HEROD

Mariam! Where is she? 27

PHERORAS

Nay, I do not know,

But absent use of her fair name I make. 28

You have forgiven greater faults than this; 29

For Constabarus, that against your will 30

Preserved the sons of Babas, lives in bliss, 31

Though you commanded him the youths to kill. 32

HEROD

Go, take a present order for his death, 33

And let those traitors feel the worst of fears! 34

Now Salome will whine to beg his breath, 35

But I’ll be deaf to prayers and blind to tears. 36

PHERORAS

He is, my lord, from Salome divorced, 37

Though her affection did to leave him grieve; 38

Yet was she by her love to you enforced 39

To leave the man that would your foes relieve. 40

HEROD

Then haste them to their death. 41

(Exit [Pheroras.])

I will requite

Thee, gentle Mariam – Salome, I mean. 42

The thought of Mariam doth so steal my spirit, 43

My mouth from speech of her I cannot wean. 44

4.3

([Enter] Mariam.)

HEROD

And here she comes indeed! Happily met, 1

My best, and dearest half! What ails my dear? 2

Thou dost the difference certainly forget 3

’Twixt dusky habits and a time so clear. 4

MARIAM

My lord, I suit my garment to my mind 5

And there no cheerful colors can I find. 6

HERODES

Is this my welcome? Have I longed so much 7

To see my dearest Mariam discontent? 8

What is’t that is the cause thy heart to touch? 9

Oh, speak, that I thy sorrow may prevent. 10

Art thou not Jewry’s queen? And Herod’s too? 11

Be my commandress, be my sovereign guide; 12

To be by thee directed I will woo, 13

For in thy pleasure lies my highest pride. 14

Or, if thou think Judaea’s narrow bound 15

Too strict a limit for thy great command, 16

Thou shalt be empress of Arabia crowned, 17

For thou shalt rule, and I will win the land. 18

I’ll rob the holy David’s sepulcher 19

To give thee wealth, if thou for wealth do care; 20

Thou shalt have all they did with him inter 21

And I for thee will make the Temple bare. 22

MARIAM

I neither have of power not riches want. 23

I have enough, nor do I wish for more. 24

Your offers to my heart no ease can grant, 25

Except they could my brother’s life restore. 26

No, had you wished the wretched Mariam glad, 27

Or had your love to her been truly tied– 28

Nay, had you not desired to make her sad–, 29

My brother nor my grandsire had not died! 30

HEROD

Wilt thou believe no oaths to clear thy lord? 31

How oft have I with execration sworn! 32

Thou art by me beloved, by me adored, 33

Yet are my protestations heard with scorn. 34

Hyrcanus plotted to deprive my head 35

Of this long-settled honor that I wear, 36

And, therefore, I did justly doom him dead 37

To rid the realm from peril, me from fear. 38

Yet I for Mariam’s sake do so repent 39

The death of one whose blood she did inherit, 40

I wish I had a kingdom’s treasure spent, 41

So I had ne’er expelled Hyrcanus’ spirit. 42

…………………………………………… 43

As I affected that same noble youth; 44

In lasting infamy my name enroll 45

If I not mourned his death with hearty truth. 46

Did I not show to him my earnest love 47

When I to him the priesthood did restore? 48

And did for him a living priest remove, 49

Which never had been done but once before? 50

MARIAM

I know that, moved by importunity, 51

You made him priest and, shortly after, die. 52

HEROD

I will not speak unless to be believed! 53

This froward humor will not do you good. 54

It hath too much already Herod grieved 55

To think that you on terms of hate have stood. 56

Yet, smile, my dearest Mariam, do but smile 57

And I will all unkind conceits exile. 58

MARIAM

I cannot frame disguise, nor never taught 59

My face a look dissenting from my thought. 60

HEROD

By heaven, you vex me! Build not on my love. 61

MARIAM

I will not build on so unstable ground. 62

HEROD

Nought is so fixed but peevishnes may move. 63

MARIAM

’Tis better sleightest cause then none were found. 64

HEROD

Be judge yourself, if ever Herod sought 65

Or would be moved a cause of change to find. 66

Yet, let your look declare a milder thought. 67

My heart again you shall to Mariam bind. 68

How oft did I for you my mother chide, 69

Revile my sister and my brother rate 70

And tell them all my Mariam they belied! 71

Distrust me still if these be signs of hate. 72

4.4

([Enter Butler.])

HEROD

What hast thou here? 1

BUTLER

A drink procuring love,

The queen desired me to deliver it. 2

MARIAM

Did I? Some hateful practice this will prove, 3

Yet can it be no worse than heavens permit. 4

HEROD

Confess the truth, thou wicked instrument 5

To her outrageous will! ’Tis poison, sure. 6

Tell true, and thou shalt scape the punishment, 7

Which, if thou do conceal, thou shalt endure. 8

BUTLER

I know not, but I doubt it be no less. 9

Long since the hate of you her heart did seize. 10

HEROD

Know’st thou the cause thereof? 11

BUTLER

My lord, I guess:

Sohemus told the tale that did displease. 12

HEROD

Oh, heaven! Sohemus false! Go let him die! 13

Stay not to suffer him to speak a word. 14

([Exit Butler.])

Oh, damnèd villain! Did he falsify 15

The oath he swore e’en of his own accord? 16

Now do I know thy falsehood, painted devil, 17

Thou white enchantress! Oh, thou art so foul 18

That hyssop cannot cleanse thee, worst of evil. 19

A beauteous body hides a loathsome soul. 20

Your love Sohemus, moved by his affection, 21

Though he have ever heretofore been true, 22

Did blab, forsooth, that I did give direction, 23

If we were put to death to slaughter you. 24

And you in black revenge attended now 25

To add a murder to your breach of vow. 26

MARIAM

Is this a dream? 27

HEROD

Oh, heaven, that ’twere no more!

I’ll give my realm to who can prove it so. 28

I would I were like any beggar poor, 29

So I for false my Mariam did not know. 30

Foul pith containèd in the fairest rind 31

That ever graced a cedar. Oh, thine eye 32

Is pure as heaven, but impure thy mind, 33

And for impurity shall Mariam die. 34

Why didst thou love Sohemus? 35

MARIAM

They can tell

That say I loved him, Mariam says not so. 36

HEROD

Oh, cannot impudence the coals expel 37

That for thy love in Herod’s bosom glow? 38

It is as plain as water, and denial 39

Makes of thy falsehood but a greater trial. 40

Hast thou beheld thyself? And couldst thou stain 41

So rare perfection? Even for love of thee, 42

I do profoundly hate thee. Wert thou plain, 43

Thou shouldst the wonder of Judaea be, 44

But oh, thou art not. Hell itself lies hid 45

Beneath thy heav’nly show. Yet never wert thou chaste! 46

Thou mightst exalt, pull down, command, forbid, 47

And be above the wheel of fortune placed. 48

Hadst thou complotted Herod’s massacre, 49

That so thy son a monarch might be styled, 50

Not half so grievous such an action were 51

As once to think that Mariam is defiled. 52

Bright workmanship of nature sullied o’er 53

With pitchèd darkness; now thine end shall be. 54

Thou shalt not live, fair fiend, to cozen more, 55

With heav’nly semblance, as thou cozened’st me. 56

Yet must I love thee in despite of death 57

And thou shalt die in the despite of love; 58

For neither shall my love prolong thy breath, 59

Nor shall thy loss of breath my love remove. 60

I might have seen thy falsehood in thy face. 61

Where couldst thou get thy stars that served for eyes, 62

Except by theft? And theft is foul disgrace! 63

This had appeared before, were Herod wise, 64

But I’m a sot, a very sot, no better. 65

My wisdom long ago a-wandering fell; 66

Thy face, encountering it, my wit did fetter 67

And made me for delight my freedom sell. 68

Give me my heart, false creature! ‘Tis a wrong 69

My guiltless heart should now with thine be slain. 70

Thou hadst no right to lock it up so long, 71

And with usurper’s name I Mariam stain. 72

(Enter Butler.)

HEROD

Have you designed Sohemus to his end? 73

BUTLER

I have, my lord. 74

HEROD

Then call our royal guard

To do as much for Mariam. 75

([Exit Butler.])

They offend

Leave ill unblamed or good without reward. 76

([Enter Soldiers.])

Here take her to her death. Come back, come back! 77

What meant I to deprive the world of light? 78

To muffle Jewry in the foulest black, 79

That ever was an opposite to white? 80

Why, whither would you carry her? 81

SOLDIER

You bade

We should conduct her to her death, my lord. 82

HEROD

Why, sure I did not; Herod was not mad. 83

Why should she feel the fury of the sword? 84

Oh, now the grief returns into my heart 85

And pulls me peacemeal! Love and hate do fight! 86

And now hath love acquired the greater part. 87

Yet now hath hate affection conquered quite. 88

And, therefore, bear her hence. And, Hebrew, why 89

Seize you with lion’s paws the fairest lamb 90

Of all the flock? She must not, shall not, die. 91

Without her, I most miserable am. 92

And with her, more than most. Away, away! 93

But bear her but to prison, not to death. 94

And is she gone indeed? Stay villains, stay! 95

Her looks alone preserved your sovereign’s breath. 96

Well, let her go, but yet she shall not die. 97

I cannot think she meant to poison me, 98

But certain ’tis she lived too wantonly 99

And, therefore, shall she never more be free. 100

([Exeunt all but Butler.])

4.5

BUTLER

Foul villain! Can thy pitchy-coloured soul 1

Permit thine ear to hear her causeless doom, 2

And not enforce thy tongue that tale control, 3

That must unjustly bring her to her tomb? 4

O, Salome, thou hast thyself repaid 5

For all the benefits that thou hast done! 6

Thou art the cause I have the queen betrayed; 7

Thou hast my heart to darkest falsehood won. 8

I am condemned! Heav’n gave me not my tongue 9

To slander innocents, to lie, deceive, 10

To be the hateful instrument to wrong, 11

The earth of greatest glory to bereave. 12

My sin ascends and doth to heaven cry: 13

“It is the blackest deed that ever was!”. 14

And there doth sit an angel notary, 15

That doth record it down in leaves of brass. 16

Oh, how my heart doth quake! Achitophel, 17

Thou found a means thyself from shame to free; 18

And, sure, my soul approves thou didst not well. 19

All follow some and I will follow thee. 20

([Exit.])

4.6

([Enter] Constabarus, Babas’ Sons, and their guard.)

CONSTABARUS

Now here we step our last, the way to death; 1

We must not tread this way a second time. 2

Yet let us resolutely yield our breath. 3

Death is the only ladder, heaven to climb. 4

1 SON

With willing mind I could myself resign, 5

But yet it grieves me with a grief untold 6

Our death should be accompanied with thine; 7

Our friendship we to thee have dearly sold. 8

CONSTABARUS

Still wilt thou wrong the sacred name of friend? 9

Then shouldst thou never style it friendship more, 10

But base mechanic traffic that doth lend, 11

Yet will be sure they shall the debt restore. 12

I could with needless compliment return. 13

This, for thy ceremony, I could say: 14

’Tis I that made the fire your house to burn, 15

For, but for me, she would not you betray. 16

Had not the damnèd woman sought mine end, 17

You had not been the subject of her hate; 18

You never did her hateful mind offend, 19

Nor could your deaths have freed her nuptial fate. 20

Therefore, fair friends, though you were still unborn, 21

Some other subtlety devised should be, 22

Whereby my life, though guiltless, should be torn; 23

Thus, have I proved, ’tis you that die for me. 24

And, therefore, should I weakly now lament 25

You have but done your duties. Friends should die 26

Alone, their friends’ disaster to prevent, 27

Though not compelled by strong necessity. 28

But now, farewell, fair city, never more 29

Shall I behold your beauty shining bright. 30

Farewell, of Jewish men the worthy store, 31

But no farewell to any female wight. 32

You, wavering crew! My curse to you I leave! 33

You had but one to give you any grace, 34

And you yourselves will Mariam’s life bereave; 35

Your commonwealth doth innocency chase! 36

You creatures made to be the human curse! 37

You, tigers, lionesses, hungry bears, 38

Tear-massacring hyenas! Nay, far worse! 39

For they for prey do shed their feigned tears, 40

But you will weep–you, creatures cross to good!– 41

For your unquenchèd thirst of human blood. 42

You were the angels cast from heaven for pride 43

And still do keep your angel’s outward show, 44

But none of you are inly beautified, 45

For still your heav’n-depriving pride doth grow. 46

Did not the sins of man require a scourge, 47

Your place on earth had been by this withstood. 48

But since a flood no more the world must purge, 49

You stayed in office of a second flood. 50

You giddy creatures, sowers of debate, 51

You’ll love today, and for no other cause, 52

But for you yesterday did deeply hate. 53

You are the wreck of order, breach of laws; 54

Your best are foolish, froward, wanton, vain; 55

Your worst, adulterous, murderous, cunning, proud; 56

And Salome attends the latter train, 57

Or, rather, she their leader is allowed. 58

I do the sottishness of men bewail, 59

That do with following you enhance your pride. 60

’Twere better that the human race should fail 61

Than be by such a mischief multiplied. 62

Cham’s servile curse to all your sex was given 63

Because in paradise you did offend. 64

Then, do we not resist the will of heaven 65

When on your wills like servants we attend? 66

You are to nothing constant but to ill; 67

You are with nought but wickedness endued; 68

Your loves are set on nothing but your will. 69

And, thus, my censure I of you conclude: 70

You are the least of goods, the worst of evils; 71

Your best are worse than men, your worst than devils. 72

SON 2

Come let us to our death. Are we not blessed? 73

Our death will freedom from these creatures give, 74

Those trouble-quiet sowers of unrest. 75

And this I vow that had I leave to live, 76

I would forever lead a single life 77

And never venture on a devilish wife. 78

([Exeunt.])

4.7

([Enter] Herod and Salome.)

HEROD

Nay, she shall die. ‘Die’, quoth you? That she shall. 1

But for the means. The means! Methinks ‘tis hard 2

To find a means to murder her withal. 3

Therefore, I am resolved she shall be spared. 4

SALOME

Why? Let her be beheaded. 5

HEROD

That were well!

Think you that swords are miracles like you? 6

Her skin will every curtal-ax edge refell, 7

And then your enterprise you well may rue. 8

What if the fierce Arabian notice take 9

Of this your wretched weaponless estate? 10

They answer, when we bid resistance make, 11

That Mariam’s skin their falchions did rebate. 12

Beware of this! You make a goodly hand 13

If you of weapons do deprive our land. 14

SALOME

Why, drown her, then. 15

HEROD

Indeed, a sweet device!

Why, would not every river turn her course 16

Rather than do her beauty prejudice, 17

And be reverted to the proper source 18

So not a drop of water should be found 19

In all Judaea’s quondam fertile ground? 20

SALOME

Then let the fire devour her. 21

HEROD

’Twill not be.

Flame is from her derived into my heart. 22

Thou nursest flame, flame will not murder thee, 23

My fairest Mariam, fullest of desert. 24

SALOME

Then let her live, for me. 25

HEROD

Nay, she shall die.

But can you live without her? 26

SALOME

Doubt you that?

HEROD

I’m sure I cannot; I beseech you, try. 27

I have experience but I know not what. 28

SALOME

How should I try? 29

HEROD

Why, let my love be slain.

But if we cannot live without her sight, 30

You’ll find the means to make her breathe again, 31

Or else you will bereave my comfort quite. 32

SALOME

Oh, ay! I warrant you. 33

([Exit.])

HEROD

What, is she gone?

And gone to bid the world be overthrown? 34

What, is her heart’s composure hardest stone? 35

To what a pass are cruel women grown! 36

([Re-enter Salome.])

She is returned already–Have you done? 37

Is’t possible you can command so soon 38

A creature’s heart to quench the flaming sun? 39

Or from the sky to wipe away the moon? 40

SALOME

If Mariam be the sun and moon, it is, 41

For I already have commanded this. 42

HEROD

But have you seen her cheek? 43

SALOME

A thousand times.

HEROD

But did you mark it too? 44

SALOME

Ay, very well.

HEROD

What is’t? 45

SALOME

A crimson bush, that ever limes

The soul whose foresight doth not much excel. 46

HEROD

Send word she shall not die. Her cheek a bush? 47

Nay then, I see indeed you marked it not. 48

SALOME

’Tis very fair, but yet will never blush, 49

Though foul dishonours do her forehead blot. 50

HEROD

Then let her die. ’Tis very true indeed, 51

And for this fault alone shall Mariam bleed. 52

SALOME

What fault, my lord? 53

HEROD

What fault is’t? You that ask,

If you be ignorant I know of none; 54

To call her back from death shall be your task. 55

I’m glad that she for innocent is known. 56

For on the brow of Mariam hangs a fleece 57

Whose slenderest twine is strong enough to bind 58

The hearts of kings; the pride and shame of Greece, 59

Troy-flaming Helen’s not so fairly shined. 60

SALOME

’Tis true indeed, she lays them out for nets 61

To catch the hearts that do not shun a bait. 62

’Tis time to speak, for Herod sure forgets 63

That Mariam’s very tresses hide deceit. 64

HEROD

Oh, do they so? Nay, then you do but well, 65

In sooth I thought it had been hair. 66

Nets call you them? Lord, how they do excel! 67

I never saw a net that showed so fair. 68

But have you heard her speak? 69

SALOME

You know I have.

HEROD

And were you not amazed? 70

SALOME

No, not a whit.

HEROD

Then ’twas not her you heard. Her life I’ll save, 71

For Mariam hath a world-amazing wit. 72

SALOME

She speaks a beauteous language, but within 73

Her heart is false as powder; and her tongue 74

Doth but allure the auditors to sin 75

And is the instrument to do you wrong. 76

HEROD

It may be so; nay, ’tis so: She’s unchaste! 77

Her mouth will ope to every stranger’s ear. 78

Then let the executioner make haste, 79

Lest she enchant him if her words he hear. 80

Let him be deaf, lest she do him surprise 81

That shall to free her spirit be assigned. 82

Yet, what boots deafness if he have his eyes? 83

Her murderer must be both deaf and blind. 84

For if he see, he needs must see the stars 85

That shine on either side of Mariam’s face, 86

Whose sweet aspect will terminate the wars 87

Wherewith he should a soul so precious chase. 88

Her eyes can speak and, in their speaking, move. 89

Oft did my heart with reverence receive 90

The world’s mandates. Pretty tales of love 91

They utter which can human bondage weave. 92

But shall I let this heaven’s model, die, 93

Which for a small self-portraiture she drew? 94

Her eyes, like stars, her forehead like the sky, 95

She is like heaven and must be heavenly true. 96

SALOME

Your thoughts do rave with doting on the queen. 97

Her eyes are ebon-hued, and you’ll confess 98

A sable star hath been but seldom seen. 99

Then speak of reason more, of Mariam less. 100

HEROD

Yourself are held a goodly creature here, 101

Yet so unlike my Mariam in your shape 102

That when to her you have approachèd near, 103

Myself hath often ta’en you for an ape. 104

And yet you prate of beauty! Go your ways, 105

You are to her a sunburnt blackamoor. 106

Your paintings cannot equal Mariam’s praise, 107

Her nature is so rich, you are so poor. 108

Let her be stayed from death, for if she die, 109

We do we know not what to stop her breath. 110

A world cannot another Mariam buy. 111

Why stay you lingering? Countermand her death. 112

SALOME

Then you’ll no more remember what hath passed? 113

Sohemus’ love and hers shall be forgot? 114

’Tis well, in truth. That fault may be her last, 115

And she may mend, though yet she love you not. 116

HEROD

Oh, God! ’Tis true! Sohemus! Earth and heaven, 117

Why did you both conspire to make me cursed 118

In cozening me with shows and proofs uneven? 119

She showed the best and yet did prove the worst. 120

Her show was such, as had our singing king, 121

The holy David, Mariam’s beauty seen, 122

The Hittite had then felt no deadly sting, 123

Nor Bethsabe had never been a queen. 124

Or had his son, the wisest man of men, 125

Whose fond delight did most consist in change, 126

Beheld her face, he had been stayed again; 127

No creature having her can wish to range. 128

Had Ahasuerus seen my Mariam’s brow, 129

The humble Jew, she might have walked alone; 130

Her beauteous virtue should have stayed below, 131

Whiles Mariam mounted to the Persian throne. 132

But what avails it all? For in the weight 133

She is deceitful, light as vanity. 134

Oh, she was made for nothing but a bait 135

To train some hapless man to misery. 136

I am the hapless man that have been trained 137

To endless bondage. I will see her yet. 138

Methinks I should discern her if she feigned. 139

Can human eyes be dazed by woman’s wit? 140

Once more these eyes of mine with hers shall meet, 141

Before the headsman do her life bereave. 142

Shall I forever part from thee, my sweet, 143

Without the taking of my latest leave? 144

SALOME

You had as good resolve to save her now. 145

I’ll stay her death. ’Tis well determinèd, 146

For sure she nevermore will break her vow; 147

Sohemus and Josephus both are dead. 148

HEROD

She shall not live, nor will I see her face. 149

A long-healed wound, a second time doth bleed. 150

With Joseph I remember her disgrace; 151

A shameful end ensues a shameful deed. 152

Oh, that I had not called to mind anew, 153

The discontent of Mariam’s wavering heart! 154

’Twas you, you foul-mouthed Ate, none but you, 155

That did the thought hereof to me impart. 156

Hence from my sight, my black tormentor, hence! 157

For hadst not thou made Herod unsecure, 158

I had not doubted Mariam’s innocence, 159

But still had held her in my heart for pure. 160

SALOME

I’ll leave you to your passion. ’Tis no time 161

To purge me now, though of a guiltless crime. 162

(Exit.)

HEROD

Destruction take thee! Thou hast made my heart 163

As heavy as revenge–I am so dull, 164

Methinks I am not sensible of smart, 165

Though hideous horrors at my bosom pull. 166

My head weighs downwards. Therefore, will I go 167

To try if I can sleep away my woe. 168

([Exit.])

4.8

([Enter] Mariam.)

MARIAM

Am I the Mariam that presumed so much, 1

And deemed my face must needs preserve my breath? 2

Ay, I it was that thought my beauty such 3

As it alone could countermand my death. 4

Now Death will teach me he can pale as well 5

A cheek of roses as a cheek less bright 6

And dim an eye whose shine doth most excel 7

As soon as one that casts a meaner light. 8

Had not myself against myself conspired, 9

No plot–no adversary from without– 10

Could Herod’s love from Mariam have retired, 11

Or from his heart have thrust my semblance out. 12

The wanton queen that never loved for love, 13

False Cleopatra, wholly set on gain, 14

With all her sleights did prove, yet vainly prove 15

For her the love of Herod to obtain. 16

Yet her allurements, all her courtly guile, 17

Her smiles, her favour, and her smooth deceit 18

Could not my face from Herod’s mind exile, 19

But were with him of less than little weight. 20

That face and person that in Asia late 21

For beauty’s goddess, Paphos’ Queen, was ta’en, 22

That face that did captive great Julius’ fate, 23

That very face that was Antonius’ bane, 24

That face that to be Egypt’s pride was born, 25

That face that all the world esteemed so rare 26

Did Herod hate, despise, neglect, and scorn 27

When with the same he Mariam’s did compare. 28

This made that I improvidently wrought 29

And on the wager even my life did pawn, 30

Because I thought, and yet but truly thought, 31

That Herod’s love could not from me be drawn. 32

But now, though out of time, I plainly see 33

It could be drawn, though never drawn from me 34

Had I but with humility been graced. 35

As well as fair I might have proved me wise; 36

But I did think, because I knew me chaste, 37

One virtue for a woman might suffice, 38

That mind for glory of our sex might stand, 39

Wherein humility and chastity 40

Doth march with equal paces hand in hand. 41

But one, if single seen, who setteth by? 42

And I had singly one. But ’tis my joy 43

That I was ever innocent, though sour, 44

And, therefore, can they but my life destroy; 45

My soul is free from adversary’s power. 46

(Enter Doris.)

You, princes great in power and high in birth, 47

Be great and high! I envy not your hap, 48

Your birth must be from dust, your power on earth– 49

In heaven shall Mariam sit in Sarah’s lap. 50

DORIS

I’heaven?–Your beauty cannot bring you thither. 51

Your soul is black and spotted, full of sin; 52

You in adultery lived nine year together, 53

And heaven will never let adultery in. 54

MARIAM

What art thou that dost poor Mariam pursue? 55

Some spirit sent to drive me to despair? 56

Who sees for truth that Mariam is untrue? 57

If fair she be, she is as chaste as fair. 58

DORIS

I am that Doris that was once beloved, 59

Beloved by Herod–Herod’s lawful wife. 60

’Twas you that Doris from his side removed 61

And robbed from me the glory of my life. 62

MARIAM

Was that adultery? Did not Moses say 63

That he that being matched did deadly hate 64

Might by permission put his wife away 65

And take a more beloved to be his mate? 66

DORIS

What did he hate me for? For simple truth? 67

For bringing beauteous babes for love to him? 68

For riches, noble birth, or tender youth? 69

Or for no stain did Doris’ honour dim? 70

Oh, tell me, Mariam, tell me if you know, 71

Which fault of these made Herod Doris’ foe? 72

These thrice three years have I, with hands held up 73

And bowed knees fast nailed to the ground, 74

Besought for thee the dregs of that same cup, 75

That cup of wrath that is for sinners found. 76

And now thou art to drink it! Doris’ curse, 77

Upon thyself did all this while attend, 78

But now it shall pursue thy children worse. 79

MARIAM

Oh, Doris, now to thee my knees I bend! 80

That hart that never bowed to thee doth bow. 81

Curse not mine infants! Let it thee suffice 82

That heav’n doth punishment to me allow. 83

Thy curse is cause that guiltless Mariam dies. 84

DORIS

Had I ten thousand tongues and every tongue 85

Inflamed with poison’s power and steeped in gall, 86

My curses would not answer for my wrong, 87

Though I in cursing thee employed them all. 88

Hear thou that didst Mount Gerizim command, 89

To be a place whereon with cause to curse! 90

Stretch thy revenging arm! Thrust forth thy hand 91

And plague the mother much, the children worse! 92

Throw flaming fire upon the base-born heads 93

That were begotten in unlawful beds! 94

But let them live till they have sense to know 95

What ‘tis to be in miserable state. 96

Then be their nearest friends their overthrow; 97

Attended be they by suspicious hate! 98

And, Mariam, I do hope this boy of mine 99

Shall one day come to be the death of thine. 100

(Exit.)

MARIAM

Oh! Heaven forbid! I hope the world shall see 101

This curse of thine shall be returned on thee. 102

Now, earth, farewell! Though I be yet but young, 103

Yet I, methinks, have known thee too too long. 104

(Exit.)

CHORUS

The fairest action of our human life, 105

Is scorning to revenge an injury, 106

For who forgives without a further strife 107

His adversary’s heart to him doth tie. 108

And ’tis a firmer conquest, truly said, 109

To win the heart, then overthrow the head. 110

If we a worthy enemy do find, 111

To yield to worth, it must be nobly done. 112

But if of baser metal be his mind, 113

In base revenge there is no honor won. 114

Who would a worthy courage overthrow? 115

And who would wrestle with a worthless foe? 116

We say our hearts are great and cannot yield, 117

Because they cannot yield, it proves them poor. 118

Great hearts are tasked beyond their power but seld. 119

The weakest lion will the loudest roar. 120

Truth’s school for certain doth this same allow: 121

High-heartedness doth sometimes teach to bow. 122

A noble heart doth teach a virtuous scorn: 123

To scorn to owe a duty overlong, 124

To scorn to be for benefits forborne, 125

To scorn to lie, to scorn to do a wrong, 126

To scorn to bear an injury in mind, 127

To scorn a free-born heart slave-like to bind. 128

But if for wrongs we needs revenge must have, 129

Then be our vengeance of the noblest kind. 130

Do we his body from our fury save, 131

And let our hate prevail against our mind? 132

What can ’gainst him a greater vengeance be 133

Than make his foe more worthy far than he? 134

Had Mariam scorned to leave a due unpaid, 135

She would to Herod then have paid her love 136

And not have been by sullen passion swayed. 137

To fix her thoughts all injury above 138

Is virtuous pride. Had Mariam thus been proud, 139

Long famous life to her had been allowed. 140

5.1

([Enter] Nuntio.)

NUNTIO

When, sweetest friend, did I so far offend 1

Your heavenly self that you, my fault to quit, 2

Have made me now relater of your end, 3

The end of beauty, chastity and wit? 4

Was none so hapless in the fatal place, 5

But I, most wretched, for the queen to choose? 6

’Tis certain I have some ill-boding face 7

That made me culled to tell this luckless news. 8

And yet no news to Herod; were it new, 9

To him unhappy ’t had not been at all. 10

Yet do I long to come within his view, 11

That he may know his wife did guiltless fall. 12

And here he comes. Your Mariam greets you well. 13

(Enter Herod.)

HEROD

What? Lives my Mariam? Joy, exceeding joy! 14

She shall not die. 15

NUNTIO

Heav’n doth your will repel.

HEROD

Oh, do not with thy words my life destroy, 16

I prithee tell no dying tale. Thine eye 17

Without thy tongue doth tell but too too much. 18

Yet let thy tongue’s addition make me die; 19

Death welcome comes to him whose grief is such. 20

NUNTIO

I went amongst the curious gazing troop 21

To see the last of her that was the best, 22

To see if death had heart to make her stoop, 23

To see the sun-admiring phoenix nest. 24

When there I came, upon the way I saw 25

The stately Mariam not debased by fear. 26

Her look did seem to keep the world in awe, 27

Yet mildly did her face this fortune bear. 28

HEROD

Thou dost usurp my right; my tongue was framed 29

To be the instrument of Mariam’s praise. 30

Yet, speak. She cannot be too often famed. 31

All tongues suffice not her sweet name to raise. 32

NUNTIO

But, as she came, she Alexandra met, 33

Who did her death (sweet queen) no whit bewail, 34

But, as if nature she did quite forget, 35

She did upon her daughter loudly rail. 36

HEROD

Why, stopped you not her mouth? Where had she words 37

To darken that, that heaven made so bright? 38

Our sacred tongue no epithet affords 39

To call her other than the world’s delight. 40

NUNTIO

She told her that her death was too too good, 41

And that already she had lived too long. 42

She said, she shamed to have a part in blood 43

HEROD

Base pickthank devil! ‘Shame’? ’Twas all her glory 44

That she to noble Mariam was the mother. 45

But never shall it live in any story; 46

Her name, except to infamy, I’ll smother. 47

What answer did her princely daughter make? 48

NUNTIO

She made no answer, but she looked the while 49

As if thereof she scarce did notice take, 50

Yet smiled, a dutiful, though scornful smile. 51

HEROD

Sweet creature, I that look to mind do call. 52

Full oft hath Herod been amazed withal. 53

Go on. 54

NUNTIO

She came unmoved, with pleasant grace,

As if to triumph her arrival were, 55

In stately habit and with cheerful face; 56

Yet every eye was moist but Mariam’s there. 57

When justly opposite to me she came, 58

She picked me out from all the crew; 59

She beckoned to me, called me by my name, 60

For she my name, my birth and fortune knew. 61

HEROD

What, did she name thee? Happy, happy man! 62

Wilt thou not ever love that name the better? 63

But what sweet tune did this fair dying swan 64

Afford thine ear? Tell all; omit no letter. 65

NUNTIO

‘Tell thou my lord,’ said she– 66

HEROD

Me, meant she me?

Is’t true? The more my shame! I was her lord. 67

Were I not mad, her lord I still should be. 68

But now her name must be by me adored. 69

Oh, say, what said she more? Each word she said 70

Shall be the food whereon my heart is fed. 71

NUNTIO

‘Tell thou my lord thou saw’st me lose my breath.’ 72

HEROD

Oh, that I could that sentence now control! 73

NUNTIO

‘If guiltily, eternal be my death.’ 74

HEROD

I hold her chaste e’en in my inmost soul. 75

NUNTIO

‘By three days hence, if wishes could revive, 76

I know himself would make me oft alive.’ 77

HEROD

Three days? Three hours, three minutes! Not so much! 78

A minute in a thousand parts divide! 79

My penitency for her death is such 80

As in the first I wished she had not died. 81

But forward in thy tale. 82

NUNTIO

Why, on she went,

And, after she some silent prayer had said, 83

She died as if to die she were content. 84

And, thus, to heav’n her heav’nly soul is fled. 85

HEROD

But art thou sure there doth no life remain? 86

Is’t possible my Mariam should be dead? 87

Is there no trick to make her breathe again? 88

NUNTIO

Her body is divided from her head. 89

HEROD

Why, yet methinks there might be found by art, 90

Strange ways of cure. ’Tis sure rare things are done 91

By an inventive head and willing heart. 92

NUNTIO

Let not my lord your fancies idly run. 93

It is as possible it should be seen 94

That we should make the holy Abraham live, 95

Though he entombed two thousand years had been, 96

As breath again to slaughtered Mariam give. 97

But now for more assaults prepare your ears– 98

HEROD

There cannot be a further cause of moan; 99

This accident shall shelter me from fears. 100

What can I fear? Already Mariam’s gone. 101

Yet tell e’en what you will. 102

NUNTIO

As I came by,

From Mariam’s death, I saw upon a tree 103

A man that to his neck a cord did tie, 104

Which cord he had designed his end to be. 105

When me he once discerned, he downwards bowed, 106

And, thus, with fearful voice he cried aloud: 107

‘Go tell the king he trusted ere he tried; 108

I am the cause that Mariam causeless died.’ 109

HEROD

Damnation take him! For it was the slave 110

That said she meant with poison’s deadly force 111

To end my life that she the crown might have, 112

Which tale did Mariam from herself divorce. 113

Oh, pardon me, thou pure unspotted ghost! 114

My punishment must needs sufficient be, 115

In missing that content I valued most, 116

Which was thy admirable face to see. 117

I had but one inestimable jewel– 118

Yet one I had no monarch had the like, 119

And, therefore, may I curse myself as cruel; 120

’Twas broken by a blow myself did strike. 121

I gazed thereon and never thought me blest 122

But when on it my dazzled eye might rest. 123

A precious mirror made by wondrous art, 124

I prized it ten times dearer than my crown 125

And laid it up fast folded in my heart. 126

Yet I, in sudden choler, cast it down. 127

And pashed it all to pieces. ’Twas no foe 128

That robbed me of it; no Arabian host, 129

Nor no Armenian guide hath used me so, 130

But Herod’s wretched self hath Herod cros 131

She was my graceful moiety; me accursed, 132

To slay my better half and save my worst! 133

But sure, she is not dead. You did but jest 134

To put me in perplexity a while. 135

’Twere well indeed if I could so be dressed. 136

I see she is alive; methinks you smile. 137

NUNTIO

If sainted Abel yet deceasèd be, 138

’Tis certain Mariam is as dead as he. 139

HEROD

Why, then, go call her to me. Bid her now 140

Put on fair habit, stately ornament, 141

And let no frown o’ershade her smoothest brow. 142

In her doth Herod place his whole content. 143

NUNTIO

She’ll come in stately weeds to please your sense, 144

If now she come attired in robe of heaven. 145

Remember you yourself did send her hence, 146

And now to you she can no more be given. 147

HEROD

She’s dead. Hell take her murderers! She was fair. 148

Oh, what a hand she had. It was so white 149

It did the whiteness of the snow impair. 150

I never more shall see so sweet a sight. 151

NUNTIO

’Tis true, her hand was rare. 152

HEROD

‘Her hand’? Her hands!

She had not singly one of beauty rare, 153

But such a pair as here where Herod stands, 154

He dares the world to make to both compare. 155

Accursèd Salome! Hadst thou been still, 156

My Mariam had been breathing by my side. 157

Oh, never had I, had I had my will, 158

Sent forth command, that Mariam should have died. 159

But, Salome, thou didst with envy vex 160

To see thyself outmatched in thy sex. 161

Upon your sex’s forehead Mariam sat 162

To grace you all like an imperial crown, 163

But you, fond fool, have rudely pushed thereat, 164

And proudly pulled your proper glory down. 165

One smile of hers–nay, not so much–a look 166

Was worth a hundred thousand such as you. 167

Judaea, how canst thou the wretches brook 168

That robbed from thee the fairest of the crew? 169

You, dwellers in the now deprivèd land 170

Wherein the matchless Mariam was bred, 171

Why grasp not each of you a sword in hand 172

To aim at me, your cruel sovereign’s head? 173

Oh, when you think of Herod as your king 174

And owner of the pride of Palestine, 175

This act to your remembrance likewise bring: 176

’Tis I have overthrown your royal line. 177

Within her purer veins the blood did run, 178

That from her grandam Sarah she derived, 179

Whose beldam age the love of kings hath won. 180

Oh, that her issue had as long been lived! 181

But can her eye be made by death obscure? 182

I cannot think, but it must sparkle still. 183

Foul sacrilege to rob those lights so pure 184

From out a temple made by heav’nly skill! 185

I am the villain that have done the deed, 186

The cruel deed, though by another’s hand; 187

My word, though not my sword, made Mariam bleed, 188

Hircanus’ grandchild died at my command, 189

That Mariam that I once did love so dear, 190

The partner of my now-detested bed. 191

Why shine you, sun, with an aspect so clear? 192

I tell you once again my Mariam’s dead. 193

You could but shine, if some Egyptian blowse, 194

Or Ethiopian dowdy lose her life; 195

This was–then, wherefore bend you not your brows?–, 196

The King of Jewry’s fair and spotless wife. 197

Deny thy beams and, moon, refuse thy light! 198

Let all the stars be dark; let Jewry’s eye 199

No more distinguish which is day and night, 200

Since her best birth did in her bosom die. 201

Those fond idolaters, the men of Greece, 202

Maintain these orbs are safely governèd, 203

That each within themselves have gods apiece, 204

By whom their steadfast course is justly led. 205

But were it so, as so it cannot be, 206

They all would put their mourning garments on; 207

Not one of them would yield a light to me, 208

To me that is the cause that Mariam’s gone. 209

For though they feign their Saturn melancholy, 210

Of sour behaviours and of angry mood, 211

They feign him likewise to be just and holy, 212

And justice needs must seek revenge for blood. 213

Their Jove, if Jove he were, would sure desire 214

To punish him that slew so fair a lass, 215

For Leda’s beauty set his heart on fire, 216

Yet she not half so fair as Mariam was. 217

And Mars would deem his Venus had been slain; 218

Sol to recover her would never stick, 219

For if he want the power her life to gain, 220

Then physic’s god is but an empiric. 221

The queen of love would storm for beauty’s sake, 222

And Hermes too, since he bestowed her wit. 223

The night’s pale light for angry grief would shake 224

To see chaste Mariam die in age unfit. 225

But, oh, I am deceived! She passed them all 226

In every gift, in every property; 227

Her excellencies wrought her timeless fall, 228

And they rejoiced, not grieved, to see her die. 229

The Paphian goddess did repent her waste 230

When she to one such beauty did allow; 231

Mercurius thought her wit his wit surpassed, 232

And Cynthia envied Mariam’s brighter brow. 233

But these are fictions; they are void of sense; 234

The Greeks but dream and dreaming falsehoods tell. 235

They neither can offend nor give defence 236

And not by them it was my Mariam fell. 237

If she had been, like an Egyptian, black, 238

And not so fair, she had been longer lived; 239

Her overflow of beauty turnèd back 240

And drowned the spring from whence it was derived. 241

Her heav’nly beauty ‘twas that made me think 242

That it with chastity could never dwell. 243

But now I see that heav’n in her did link 244

A spirit and a person to excel. 245

I’ll muffle up myself in endless night, 246

And never let mine eyes behold the light. 247

Retire thyself, vile monster, worse than he 248

That stained the virgin earth with brother’s blood! 249

Still in some vault or den enclosèd be, 250

Where with thy tears thou mayst beget a flood, 251

Which flood in time may drown thee, happy day, 252

When thou at once shalt die and find a grave! 253

A stone upon the vault someone shall lay, 254

Which monument shall an inscription have, 255

And these shall be the words it shall contain: 256

‘Here Herod lies, that hath his Mariam slain.’ 257

([Exeunt.])

CHORUS

Who ever hath beheld with steadfast eye 258

The strange events of this one only day? 259

How many were deceived? How many die, 260

That once today did grounds of safety lay? 261

It will from them all certainty bereave, 262

Since ‘twice six hours so many can deceive. 263

This morning Herod held for surely dead, 264

And all the Jews on Mariam did attend. 265

And Constabarus rise from Salom’s bed 266

And neither dreamed of a divorce or end. 267

Pheroras joyed that he might have his wife 268

And Babas’ sons for safety of their life. 269

Tonight our Herod doth alive remain, 270

The guiltless Mariam is deprived of breath, 271

Stout Constabarus both divorced and slain, 272

The valiant sons of Babas have their death. 273

Pheroras sure his love to be bereft, 274

If Salome her suit unmade had left. 275

Herod this morning did expect with joy 276

To see his Mariam’s much belovèd face, 277

And yet ere night he did her life destroy 278

And, surely, thought she did her name disgrace. 279

Yet now again, so short do humors last, 280

He both repents her death and knows her chaste. 281

Had he with wisdom now her death delayed, 282

He at his pleasure might command her death. 283

But now he hath his power so much betrayed 284

As all his woes cannot restore her breath. 285

Now doth he strangely lunaticly rave 286

Because his Mariam’s life he cannot save. 287

This day’s events were certainly ordained 288

To be the warning to posterity, 289

So many changes are therein contained, 290

So admirably strange variety. 291

This day alone, our sagest Hebrews shall 292

In after times the school of wisdom call. 293

FINIS