University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

HEROD, MARIAMNE, SALOME, MAZAEL, ELISA, GUARDS.
SALOME.
The rebellious people
To fury raised by Mariamne's name
Demand thy life, my brother; do not meet
These vengeful Hebrews, in their rage they come
By force to bear her hence.

HEROD.
Let us away!
They shall behold their king. I fly to seek them.
But thou shalt answer for this state of danger,
For all my woes, thou traitress. Salome,
We leave her to thy charge, secure her well.

MARIAMNE.
I fear not death; but witness for me heaven—

MAZAEL.
The foe, my lord, appears.

HEROD.
Haste! Let us on!—
But, shall her guilt meantime be left unpunish'd?
No, her perfidious blood alone can wash
The stain away—It is resolved—my will—
Alas! In this extreme my anxious soul
Can fix on nothing; but to wish for death,
But to rush on and meet the welcome blow.