University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

MARIAMNE, ELISA, NARBAS. GUARDS.
MARIAMNE.
Narbas! Is it thou?
Where hast thou left my children? Where my mother?

NARBAS.
The wrath of Herod reaches not to them.
In this extreme of fate, unhappy queen,
Sole object of his jealousy and rage,
Fear only for thyself. Sohemus named,
His soul takes fire, and if he conquers him,
Death is thy portion. Even while I speak,
E'en at this instant comes the barbarous Zares,
With secret orders fraught. Oh! Quit the palace!
Dare to protect thyself! The people love thee,
Appear before them; in their guardian arms
They will receive thee. Tho' depress'd and fallen,
Thy presence will restore their ancient virtue.
Rouse then our faithful Hebrews! Let thy voice
Excite our priests! All Judah will defend
The offspring of their much-loved kings! Away!
Now prove thy fortitude, this is the time
To conquer or to die. Let me intreat thee—

MARIAMNE.
Mistaken man! True fortitude of soul
Knows how to suffer; but will ne'er urge on
Rebellious crouds with impious arm high-raised
T'assault their prince. Oh! I should feel my cheeks
Glow with shame's deepest blush, if overcome
With fear, the least intent against his life
Had e'er surprised my heart; if, for a moment,
I had indulged one thought of my revenge;
Or borrowed the most transient gleam of hope
From his destruction. If I must perform
Some desperate action, let it be a deed
Nobler and more illustrious; and methinks
Heaven prompts it now; yes, blinded as he is
With dark suspicions, Herod shall at length
Know Mariamne; mid the thickest fight
I rush, and arm'd with mutual fury, part
Him and Sohemus, then resign my life
To his disposal. Tho' to day I fled
From his stern vengeance, exiled by his crimes,
His danger hath recall'd me; glory speaks,
Its dictates I obey; and fly to save
His life who thirsts for mine.

NARBAS.
Ah! Whither tend
Thy devious steps? What madness thus impells—

MARIAMNE.
Oh! I am lost! He comes! 'Tis he himself!