University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Salome.
The diamond which I gave him is the Queen's;
Arsinoe lent it, for the jeweller
To model one for me.

Soh.
It sure will prove
Of dearest value now: I was amaz'd
To see you give an earnest of such price,
To one whose genuine malice renders vice
Its own reward, and kills for killing sake.

Sal.
The wretch is avaritious; we must feed
That appetite of wealth, which urg'd him first
To trade in death.

Soh.
How urg'd?

Sal.
Along the shore
He walk'd one ev'ning, when the clamorous rage
Of tempests wreck'd a ship: the crew were sunk,
The master only reach'd the neighb'ring strand,
Born by a floating fragment; but so weak
With combating the storm, his tongue had lost
The faculty of speech, and yet for aid
He faintly wav'd his hand, on which he wore
A fatal jewel. Sameas quickly charm'd
Both by its size and lustre, with a look
Of pity, stoop'd to take him by the hand;
Then cut the finger off to gain the ring,
And plung'd him back to perish in the waves;
Crying, go dive for more.—I've heard him boast
Of this adventure.

Soh.
He's a very fiend!
If we succeed, he shall not live an hour,
In mercy to our selves: his poisoning art
In time wou'd taint the vital breath of spring;
And spread contagion with each spicy gale.—

[A Messenger enters.
Mess.
Lord Hazeroth releas'd, demands to see
Your lordship.—

[Exit.
Soh.
Me?

Sal.
Receive him; I retire.
[Exit Sal.