University of Virginia Library

Scene Fourth

A Chamber.
Enter Alexandra.
The Pulses of my trembling Soul beat high,
Mariamne's dead, or is about to dye.
Disturbing fancies aggravate my fears,
And Ignorance does but increase my Cares.
Such horrid Visions fright me from my rest,
My interrupted slumbers they molest.
In vain all day her safety I enquire,
For none will satisfy my just desire.
Minutes seem days, and every hour a year,
Whilst I am rack't thus betwixt hope and fear.
O Cruel King! with Torments thou dost kill:
The fear is always greater then the ill:
I once agen to my rough guard will sue;
Gold may do more then Tears or Prayers could do.

[Exit.
Enter Herod (as distracted) and Salome.
Salom.
What ayles you Sir?

Herod.
Did not you hear the Musick? see, see, what's there?

Salom.
Sir I see nothing that should cause this fear.
He is distracted sure?

Herod.
See, see, what sight my Eyes invades;
See Aristobulus from the Neather shades!

Salom.
Sir, I see nothing, 'tis your fancy sure.

Herod.
Antigonus!
See the Queens Brother comes to fright me too.

Salom.
Look calmer Sir! your fancy is disturb'd!

Herod.
See Old Hircanus risen from the Dead!
See Salome how he looks and shakes his head?
See Joseph, Sohemus, Philon! see where they go.
They are all risen from the shades below.

Salom.
Sure it is Madness that disturbs you so!

Herod.
Oh the Queen, the Queen, the Queen! Oh she is dead!
See Salome: stay, Mariamne—stay: she's fled.

Salom.
Pray Sir settle your disturb'd mind!—

Herod.
Stay Mariamne! dead, dost fly from me too?
No Jealousy nor Rage can reach you now.

[Exeunt.