University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

SOHEMUS, IDAMAS, AMMON, ATTENDANTS.
SOHEMUS.
To the king, my friend
The tribute I resign of homage vain,
And frivolous respect; officious guests,
Unreal types of friendship with the great;
Amusive toys cheating the vulgar croud
Who gaze with curious eye; display'd with pomp,
Loath'd and rejected by the conscious heart.
But say, by Rome's arbitrement once more
The diadem thy master's brow adorns;
Doth he deserve to wear it? Is he come
With rage inspired, or breathing gentle peace?
Are we to fear repeated cruelties?
Or will he bless his people?

IDAMAS.
May just heaven,
Which fills with conscious dread the perjured breast,
Far from his sight disperse the mists of error,
And dark imposture's clouds! Whoe'er with true
And honest hearts shun flattery and guile,
By Salome, and Mazael's busy care
Are banished from his presence; dreadful secrets
I hear they have disclosed; a deadly pale
Sits on his cheeks, in agony he raves,
And of the fury of his soul expressive,
His glowing eyes, on all around him dart
The flash of terror. Well to thee is known
With what assiduous industry their creatures
Thrust back approaching Truth, and her fair form
Hold in captivity. This mighty victor
Who with the terror of his arms appall'd
The souls of kings, this monarch whose exploits,
E'en Rome admired, whose wide-spread fame yet fills
Astonish'd Asia with dismay, at home
Beholds the lustre of his glory fade;
Detested by his wife, in treacherous wiles
Entangled by his sister, with a mind
Torn by suspicions, overwhelm'd by grief.
How purposed or inclined he now returns,
I must profess my ignorance. While him
Each eye beholds with pity, murmurs rise
Which prophecy the queen's approaching fate.
But none can penetrate his secret thoughts,
Or the swift movements of his troubled heart.
Now he observes a fierce and savage silence,
Then Mariamne's name escapes his lips;
He threatens, sighs, and trembling while he speaks,
Gives secret orders, which he strait recalls.
Her race was ever odious to his soul,
Which seems as if desirous to revenge
Th'excess of love she kindled in his breast.
Much do I fear for her.

SOHEMUS.
Enough; the queen
Is then in danger. Ammon, follow me.
Haste! Let me save unguarded innocence.

IDAMAS.
Thus wilt thou shun the presence of the king?
When thy high rank, authority and virtue,
Might curb obtrusive malice, and restrain
Its tongue intent on mischief?

SOHEMUS.
Nobler cares,
And more important interests prompt me now
With warm inspiring breath. My first great task
To cross and intercept the guilty purpose
E'er it o'ertake the crime.

[Exit.
IDAMAS.
What new impending storms, what dreadful evils
Do I foresee? Thou mighty God of Israel
Oh, change the heart of Herod!