What? That you are wifeUnto the murderer? You’re but late becomeThis creature; only while you will you are so;Yea, and you are so maybe now no more.But you have ever been the Dead One’s sisterAnd will remain so—yea, you will remain soEven when you call—thither, it seems, you tend—Into his grave—“You had but justice done you!”
What? That you are wifeUnto the murderer? You’re but late becomeThis creature; only while you will you are so;Yea, and you are so maybe now no more.But you have ever been the Dead One’s sisterAnd will remain so—yea, you will remain soEven when you call—thither, it seems, you tend—Into his grave—“You had but justice done you!”
What? That you are wifeUnto the murderer? You’re but late becomeThis creature; only while you will you are so;Yea, and you are so maybe now no more.But you have ever been the Dead One’s sisterAnd will remain so—yea, you will remain soEven when you call—thither, it seems, you tend—Into his grave—“You had but justice done you!”
What? That you are wife
Unto the murderer? You’re but late become
This creature; only while you will you are so;
Yea, and you are so maybe now no more.
But you have ever been the Dead One’s sister
And will remain so—yea, you will remain so
Even when you call—thither, it seems, you tend—
Into his grave—“You had but justice done you!”
Mar.
I owe you debt of reverence, and I shrinkFrom violence on it; therefore hold your peace.Or else I could——
I owe you debt of reverence, and I shrinkFrom violence on it; therefore hold your peace.Or else I could——
I owe you debt of reverence, and I shrinkFrom violence on it; therefore hold your peace.Or else I could——
I owe you debt of reverence, and I shrink
From violence on it; therefore hold your peace.
Or else I could——
Alex.
What could you?
What could you?
What could you?
What could you?
Mar.
Ask myselfOn whom this deed lays guilty onus—himThat took it through because he must, or herWho wrung it from him! Let the Dead One rest!
Ask myselfOn whom this deed lays guilty onus—himThat took it through because he must, or herWho wrung it from him! Let the Dead One rest!
Ask myselfOn whom this deed lays guilty onus—himThat took it through because he must, or herWho wrung it from him! Let the Dead One rest!
Ask myself
On whom this deed lays guilty onus—him
That took it through because he must, or her
Who wrung it from him! Let the Dead One rest!
Alex.
Speak thus to one who did not give him birth!I bore him underneath my heart, and mustAvenge him since I cannot waken himTo wreak his own revenge.
Speak thus to one who did not give him birth!I bore him underneath my heart, and mustAvenge him since I cannot waken himTo wreak his own revenge.
Speak thus to one who did not give him birth!I bore him underneath my heart, and mustAvenge him since I cannot waken himTo wreak his own revenge.
Speak thus to one who did not give him birth!
I bore him underneath my heart, and must
Avenge him since I cannot waken him
To wreak his own revenge.
Mar.
Avenge him then,Avenge him on yourself! You know right wellIt was the High Priest whom the shouting folkRinged on his giddy pinnacle with joyanceAnd that ’twas not the youngling AristobulusWho brought upon himself the Thing that happened.Who was it drove the youngling, tell me that!Out of his old unthinking self-content?Surely he lacked not coats of many coloursWherewith to charm the eyes of pretty maids,And more he needed not for happiness.What should he do with Aaron’s priestly mantleYou still must hang about him to his surfeit?And of himself he had no other thoughtThan “Does it suit me well?” But others deemed himStraight from the very moment it was donnedThe second Head of Israel; and youHad swift success himself so to befoolThat his puffed mind must think him first and sole.
Avenge him then,Avenge him on yourself! You know right wellIt was the High Priest whom the shouting folkRinged on his giddy pinnacle with joyanceAnd that ’twas not the youngling AristobulusWho brought upon himself the Thing that happened.Who was it drove the youngling, tell me that!Out of his old unthinking self-content?Surely he lacked not coats of many coloursWherewith to charm the eyes of pretty maids,And more he needed not for happiness.What should he do with Aaron’s priestly mantleYou still must hang about him to his surfeit?And of himself he had no other thoughtThan “Does it suit me well?” But others deemed himStraight from the very moment it was donnedThe second Head of Israel; and youHad swift success himself so to befoolThat his puffed mind must think him first and sole.
Avenge him then,Avenge him on yourself! You know right wellIt was the High Priest whom the shouting folkRinged on his giddy pinnacle with joyanceAnd that ’twas not the youngling AristobulusWho brought upon himself the Thing that happened.Who was it drove the youngling, tell me that!Out of his old unthinking self-content?Surely he lacked not coats of many coloursWherewith to charm the eyes of pretty maids,And more he needed not for happiness.What should he do with Aaron’s priestly mantleYou still must hang about him to his surfeit?And of himself he had no other thoughtThan “Does it suit me well?” But others deemed himStraight from the very moment it was donnedThe second Head of Israel; and youHad swift success himself so to befoolThat his puffed mind must think him first and sole.
Avenge him then,
Avenge him on yourself! You know right well
It was the High Priest whom the shouting folk
Ringed on his giddy pinnacle with joyance
And that ’twas not the youngling Aristobulus
Who brought upon himself the Thing that happened.
Who was it drove the youngling, tell me that!
Out of his old unthinking self-content?
Surely he lacked not coats of many colours
Wherewith to charm the eyes of pretty maids,
And more he needed not for happiness.
What should he do with Aaron’s priestly mantle
You still must hang about him to his surfeit?
And of himself he had no other thought
Than “Does it suit me well?” But others deemed him
Straight from the very moment it was donned
The second Head of Israel; and you
Had swift success himself so to befool
That his puffed mind must think him first and sole.
Alex.
’Tis blasphemy ’gainst him and me!
’Tis blasphemy ’gainst him and me!
’Tis blasphemy ’gainst him and me!
’Tis blasphemy ’gainst him and me!
Mar.
’Tis none!For if this youngling, who it seemed had birthTo show the world her first-born happy man,If he so swift, so dark an end has found,And if the man who, when his sword’s once drawnShames every other man into a woman,If he—I know not if ’twas he, but fear it,—Then, true, ambition, lust for power are cause,But not ambition that the Dead One huggedAnd not the lust for power that plagues the King.I’ll not accuse you—’twould beseem me ill—But, to requite your sending of a ghost,A bloody ghost, into our marriage-chamber,I will not see you shed the tear of rueThough now we twain no more are side by sideAnd, for the Third, it wilders so my senseThat I am dumb when it were well to speakAnd speak when it were better to be dumb.Nay, nay, I will not quench your vengeful thirstNor ask what you avenge—your plans or son.Do what you will! go further, check your foot—Only, be well assured of this—the barbThat reaches Herod reaches Mariamne!The oath that I withheld and he demandedIn leaving me, I swear it now! I perishIf he should perish! Act then, speak no more!
’Tis none!For if this youngling, who it seemed had birthTo show the world her first-born happy man,If he so swift, so dark an end has found,And if the man who, when his sword’s once drawnShames every other man into a woman,If he—I know not if ’twas he, but fear it,—Then, true, ambition, lust for power are cause,But not ambition that the Dead One huggedAnd not the lust for power that plagues the King.I’ll not accuse you—’twould beseem me ill—But, to requite your sending of a ghost,A bloody ghost, into our marriage-chamber,I will not see you shed the tear of rueThough now we twain no more are side by sideAnd, for the Third, it wilders so my senseThat I am dumb when it were well to speakAnd speak when it were better to be dumb.Nay, nay, I will not quench your vengeful thirstNor ask what you avenge—your plans or son.Do what you will! go further, check your foot—Only, be well assured of this—the barbThat reaches Herod reaches Mariamne!The oath that I withheld and he demandedIn leaving me, I swear it now! I perishIf he should perish! Act then, speak no more!
’Tis none!For if this youngling, who it seemed had birthTo show the world her first-born happy man,If he so swift, so dark an end has found,And if the man who, when his sword’s once drawnShames every other man into a woman,If he—I know not if ’twas he, but fear it,—Then, true, ambition, lust for power are cause,But not ambition that the Dead One huggedAnd not the lust for power that plagues the King.I’ll not accuse you—’twould beseem me ill—But, to requite your sending of a ghost,A bloody ghost, into our marriage-chamber,I will not see you shed the tear of rueThough now we twain no more are side by sideAnd, for the Third, it wilders so my senseThat I am dumb when it were well to speakAnd speak when it were better to be dumb.Nay, nay, I will not quench your vengeful thirstNor ask what you avenge—your plans or son.Do what you will! go further, check your foot—Only, be well assured of this—the barbThat reaches Herod reaches Mariamne!The oath that I withheld and he demandedIn leaving me, I swear it now! I perishIf he should perish! Act then, speak no more!
’Tis none!
For if this youngling, who it seemed had birth
To show the world her first-born happy man,
If he so swift, so dark an end has found,
And if the man who, when his sword’s once drawn
Shames every other man into a woman,
If he—I know not if ’twas he, but fear it,—
Then, true, ambition, lust for power are cause,
But not ambition that the Dead One hugged
And not the lust for power that plagues the King.
I’ll not accuse you—’twould beseem me ill—
But, to requite your sending of a ghost,
A bloody ghost, into our marriage-chamber,
I will not see you shed the tear of rue
Though now we twain no more are side by side
And, for the Third, it wilders so my sense
That I am dumb when it were well to speak
And speak when it were better to be dumb.
Nay, nay, I will not quench your vengeful thirst
Nor ask what you avenge—your plans or son.
Do what you will! go further, check your foot—
Only, be well assured of this—the barb
That reaches Herod reaches Mariamne!
The oath that I withheld and he demanded
In leaving me, I swear it now! I perish
If he should perish! Act then, speak no more!
Alex.
Then perish! Now! For——
Then perish! Now! For——
Then perish! Now! For——
Then perish! Now! For——
Mar.
Yes, I understand!And this was why you thought I needed comfort?Oh no! You err. It frights me notThat the men-slugs o’ the world, who only sufferThe Elect because they owe man’s debt to death,Have with their mouths already struck him dead.What has the slave for solace when the KingIn gorgeousness and glory sweeps him byThan this—to say, “He gets his turn like me!I grudge it not! And when he mounts his throneFresh from a field o’erstrewn with graves in thousandsI’ll praise him for’t: it chokes his covetous mood!”Ah, but my Herod lives and he will live!So says my heart to me. Death flings a shadowAnd that falls on me here! (pointing to her heart).
Yes, I understand!And this was why you thought I needed comfort?Oh no! You err. It frights me notThat the men-slugs o’ the world, who only sufferThe Elect because they owe man’s debt to death,Have with their mouths already struck him dead.What has the slave for solace when the KingIn gorgeousness and glory sweeps him byThan this—to say, “He gets his turn like me!I grudge it not! And when he mounts his throneFresh from a field o’erstrewn with graves in thousandsI’ll praise him for’t: it chokes his covetous mood!”Ah, but my Herod lives and he will live!So says my heart to me. Death flings a shadowAnd that falls on me here! (pointing to her heart).
Yes, I understand!And this was why you thought I needed comfort?Oh no! You err. It frights me notThat the men-slugs o’ the world, who only sufferThe Elect because they owe man’s debt to death,Have with their mouths already struck him dead.What has the slave for solace when the KingIn gorgeousness and glory sweeps him byThan this—to say, “He gets his turn like me!I grudge it not! And when he mounts his throneFresh from a field o’erstrewn with graves in thousandsI’ll praise him for’t: it chokes his covetous mood!”Ah, but my Herod lives and he will live!So says my heart to me. Death flings a shadowAnd that falls on me here! (pointing to her heart).
Yes, I understand!
And this was why you thought I needed comfort?
Oh no! You err. It frights me not
That the men-slugs o’ the world, who only suffer
The Elect because they owe man’s debt to death,
Have with their mouths already struck him dead.
What has the slave for solace when the King
In gorgeousness and glory sweeps him by
Than this—to say, “He gets his turn like me!
I grudge it not! And when he mounts his throne
Fresh from a field o’erstrewn with graves in thousands
I’ll praise him for’t: it chokes his covetous mood!”
Ah, but my Herod lives and he will live!
So says my heart to me. Death flings a shadow
And that falls on me here! (pointing to her heart).
The Same. Joseph.
[Enter aServant.
Servant.
The Viceroy comes!
The Viceroy comes!
The Viceroy comes!
The Viceroy comes!
Alex.
Weaponed for certain, as he always isWhen he comes our way, since he had no luckIn cozening our wits with glozing phrasesAfter the manner of his first attempt.Do you not know Salome at the timePerished for jealousy?
Weaponed for certain, as he always isWhen he comes our way, since he had no luckIn cozening our wits with glozing phrasesAfter the manner of his first attempt.Do you not know Salome at the timePerished for jealousy?
Weaponed for certain, as he always isWhen he comes our way, since he had no luckIn cozening our wits with glozing phrasesAfter the manner of his first attempt.Do you not know Salome at the timePerished for jealousy?
Weaponed for certain, as he always is
When he comes our way, since he had no luck
In cozening our wits with glozing phrases
After the manner of his first attempt.
Do you not know Salome at the time
Perished for jealousy?
Mar.
She does so now:For with an intimate smile I say to himMost shameless things whenever she is near,And since herself she never tires of spyingI never tire of soundly whipping herFor fatuous folly.
She does so now:For with an intimate smile I say to himMost shameless things whenever she is near,And since herself she never tires of spyingI never tire of soundly whipping herFor fatuous folly.
She does so now:For with an intimate smile I say to himMost shameless things whenever she is near,And since herself she never tires of spyingI never tire of soundly whipping herFor fatuous folly.
She does so now:
For with an intimate smile I say to him
Most shameless things whenever she is near,
And since herself she never tires of spying
I never tire of soundly whipping her
For fatuous folly.
[EnterJoseph.
Alex.
(pointing toJoseph’sweapon). See you?
(pointing toJoseph’sweapon). See you?
(pointing toJoseph’sweapon). See you?
(pointing toJoseph’sweapon). See you?
Mar.
Let him then!His wife demands it so that she may dreamShe has a husband who’s a man of war.
Let him then!His wife demands it so that she may dreamShe has a husband who’s a man of war.
Let him then!His wife demands it so that she may dreamShe has a husband who’s a man of war.
Let him then!
His wife demands it so that she may dream
She has a husband who’s a man of war.
Alex.
(toJoseph). I am still here!
(toJoseph). I am still here!
(toJoseph). I am still here!
(toJoseph). I am still here!
Joseph.
A very strange reception!
A very strange reception!
A very strange reception!
A very strange reception!
Alex.
My son too is still here. As once beforeHe’s hid him in the dead man’s Wooden House.Harry him out and I will pardon youBecause you did it once before unbidden.But this time you must hunt your coffin notUpon a vessel sailing Egypt-bound,No, you must seek it in the graveyard’s belly!
My son too is still here. As once beforeHe’s hid him in the dead man’s Wooden House.Harry him out and I will pardon youBecause you did it once before unbidden.But this time you must hunt your coffin notUpon a vessel sailing Egypt-bound,No, you must seek it in the graveyard’s belly!
My son too is still here. As once beforeHe’s hid him in the dead man’s Wooden House.Harry him out and I will pardon youBecause you did it once before unbidden.But this time you must hunt your coffin notUpon a vessel sailing Egypt-bound,No, you must seek it in the graveyard’s belly!
My son too is still here. As once before
He’s hid him in the dead man’s Wooden House.
Harry him out and I will pardon you
Because you did it once before unbidden.
But this time you must hunt your coffin not
Upon a vessel sailing Egypt-bound,
No, you must seek it in the graveyard’s belly!
Joseph.
I’m not the man to wake the dead to life.
I’m not the man to wake the dead to life.
I’m not the man to wake the dead to life.
I’m not the man to wake the dead to life.
Alex.(with scorn directed atMariamne).
Ay true! or you had companied your LordSo that when all his kneeling and his pleadingWere fruitless to frustrate the lictor’s axe——
Ay true! or you had companied your LordSo that when all his kneeling and his pleadingWere fruitless to frustrate the lictor’s axe——
Ay true! or you had companied your LordSo that when all his kneeling and his pleadingWere fruitless to frustrate the lictor’s axe——
Ay true! or you had companied your Lord
So that when all his kneeling and his pleading
Were fruitless to frustrate the lictor’s axe——
Mar.
He kneels and pleads?
He kneels and pleads?
He kneels and pleads?
He kneels and pleads?
Joseph(toMariamne).
I’ll let you know his way!“I am impeached for this crime! I confess it!But not for this! Well, for your information,I’ll fill the gap up soon!” Yes, that’s his way.
I’ll let you know his way!“I am impeached for this crime! I confess it!But not for this! Well, for your information,I’ll fill the gap up soon!” Yes, that’s his way.
I’ll let you know his way!“I am impeached for this crime! I confess it!But not for this! Well, for your information,I’ll fill the gap up soon!” Yes, that’s his way.
I’ll let you know his way!
“I am impeached for this crime! I confess it!
But not for this! Well, for your information,
I’ll fill the gap up soon!” Yes, that’s his way.
Alex.
His cock crows for him?
His cock crows for him?
His cock crows for him?
His cock crows for him?
Joseph.
He has done’t ere now,As I stood by, the time the PhariseesWould have arraigned him under Antony.He filed his own indictment in their stead,Hurried to camp before them, as he was,And, when they came, revised and supplementedThe reckoning point for point and said to them—“Speak, if I’ve left an item out or not!”The event you know; a many of the accusersWere shorn of their thick heads since they’d not budge;He carried off the Roman’s fullest favour.
He has done’t ere now,As I stood by, the time the PhariseesWould have arraigned him under Antony.He filed his own indictment in their stead,Hurried to camp before them, as he was,And, when they came, revised and supplementedThe reckoning point for point and said to them—“Speak, if I’ve left an item out or not!”The event you know; a many of the accusersWere shorn of their thick heads since they’d not budge;He carried off the Roman’s fullest favour.
He has done’t ere now,As I stood by, the time the PhariseesWould have arraigned him under Antony.He filed his own indictment in their stead,Hurried to camp before them, as he was,And, when they came, revised and supplementedThe reckoning point for point and said to them—“Speak, if I’ve left an item out or not!”The event you know; a many of the accusersWere shorn of their thick heads since they’d not budge;He carried off the Roman’s fullest favour.
He has done’t ere now,
As I stood by, the time the Pharisees
Would have arraigned him under Antony.
He filed his own indictment in their stead,
Hurried to camp before them, as he was,
And, when they came, revised and supplemented
The reckoning point for point and said to them—
“Speak, if I’ve left an item out or not!”
The event you know; a many of the accusers
Were shorn of their thick heads since they’d not budge;
He carried off the Roman’s fullest favour.
Alex.
In those days both were younger than they now are.The one’s superb presumption pleased the other,And all the more because at other’s costs,Not at his own, ’twas flaunted. Can the RomanValue the Pharisee at aught, whose tonguePreaches continual mutiny ’gainst Rome?“Who plucks his beard curtails his standing!” thoughtMark Antony in sport: and yet I doubtIf he’ll allow the joke against himself.
In those days both were younger than they now are.The one’s superb presumption pleased the other,And all the more because at other’s costs,Not at his own, ’twas flaunted. Can the RomanValue the Pharisee at aught, whose tonguePreaches continual mutiny ’gainst Rome?“Who plucks his beard curtails his standing!” thoughtMark Antony in sport: and yet I doubtIf he’ll allow the joke against himself.
In those days both were younger than they now are.The one’s superb presumption pleased the other,And all the more because at other’s costs,Not at his own, ’twas flaunted. Can the RomanValue the Pharisee at aught, whose tonguePreaches continual mutiny ’gainst Rome?“Who plucks his beard curtails his standing!” thoughtMark Antony in sport: and yet I doubtIf he’ll allow the joke against himself.
In those days both were younger than they now are.
The one’s superb presumption pleased the other,
And all the more because at other’s costs,
Not at his own, ’twas flaunted. Can the Roman
Value the Pharisee at aught, whose tongue
Preaches continual mutiny ’gainst Rome?
“Who plucks his beard curtails his standing!” thought
Mark Antony in sport: and yet I doubt
If he’ll allow the joke against himself.
Joseph.
You speak as though you wished——
You speak as though you wished——
You speak as though you wished——
You speak as though you wished——
Alex.
Whether our wishesAre paired or not, is that affair of yours?You hold fast to your own! For you it’s weightyThat he returns.
Whether our wishesAre paired or not, is that affair of yours?You hold fast to your own! For you it’s weightyThat he returns.
Whether our wishesAre paired or not, is that affair of yours?You hold fast to your own! For you it’s weightyThat he returns.
Whether our wishes
Are paired or not, is that affair of yours?
You hold fast to your own! For you it’s weighty
That he returns.
Joseph.
You think so? If for meFor you, then.
You think so? If for meFor you, then.
You think so? If for meFor you, then.
You think so? If for me
For you, then.
Alex.
I have not a notion whyThere was in olden days an AlexandraWhose temples bore a crown in Israel,Who fell on it when it became free preyAnd would not leave it lying for a thief.By God, we’ll have no dearth here of a secondIf it is true (toMariamne) that there are MaccabeansWho keep their childish oaths!
I have not a notion whyThere was in olden days an AlexandraWhose temples bore a crown in Israel,Who fell on it when it became free preyAnd would not leave it lying for a thief.By God, we’ll have no dearth here of a secondIf it is true (toMariamne) that there are MaccabeansWho keep their childish oaths!
I have not a notion whyThere was in olden days an AlexandraWhose temples bore a crown in Israel,Who fell on it when it became free preyAnd would not leave it lying for a thief.By God, we’ll have no dearth here of a secondIf it is true (toMariamne) that there are MaccabeansWho keep their childish oaths!
I have not a notion why
There was in olden days an Alexandra
Whose temples bore a crown in Israel,
Who fell on it when it became free prey
And would not leave it lying for a thief.
By God, we’ll have no dearth here of a second
If it is true (toMariamne) that there are Maccabeans
Who keep their childish oaths!
Joseph(soundingAlexandra).
’Tis true indeed!There was in olden days this Alexandra,But whosoe’er will reach her goal, he mustTread her whole journey with no half-way lapse.Soon as she climbed the throne she reconciledHerself with all her foes, and not a soulHad need to fear her, only cause to hope.No wonder that she sat fast till her death!
’Tis true indeed!There was in olden days this Alexandra,But whosoe’er will reach her goal, he mustTread her whole journey with no half-way lapse.Soon as she climbed the throne she reconciledHerself with all her foes, and not a soulHad need to fear her, only cause to hope.No wonder that she sat fast till her death!
’Tis true indeed!There was in olden days this Alexandra,But whosoe’er will reach her goal, he mustTread her whole journey with no half-way lapse.Soon as she climbed the throne she reconciledHerself with all her foes, and not a soulHad need to fear her, only cause to hope.No wonder that she sat fast till her death!
’Tis true indeed!
There was in olden days this Alexandra,
But whosoe’er will reach her goal, he must
Tread her whole journey with no half-way lapse.
Soon as she climbed the throne she reconciled
Herself with all her foes, and not a soul
Had need to fear her, only cause to hope.
No wonder that she sat fast till her death!
Mar.
I think that paltry! What end serves a sceptreIf not to gratify our hate and love?A twig’s enough to frighten off the flies.
I think that paltry! What end serves a sceptreIf not to gratify our hate and love?A twig’s enough to frighten off the flies.
I think that paltry! What end serves a sceptreIf not to gratify our hate and love?A twig’s enough to frighten off the flies.
I think that paltry! What end serves a sceptre
If not to gratify our hate and love?
A twig’s enough to frighten off the flies.
Joseph.
Quite true. (ToAlexandra.) And you?
Quite true. (ToAlexandra.) And you?
Quite true. (ToAlexandra.) And you?
Quite true. (ToAlexandra.) And you?
Alex.
She never saw in dreamHer House’s earliest sire, the mighty Judas,’Tis certain else she had no foeman shunned;For from his grave he still protects his childrenBecause he cannot die in any heart.How could he so? There’s never a man can prayWho must not say—“To him I owe my thanksThat I may yet kneel down before my GodAnd not to bronze and wood and stone.”
She never saw in dreamHer House’s earliest sire, the mighty Judas,’Tis certain else she had no foeman shunned;For from his grave he still protects his childrenBecause he cannot die in any heart.How could he so? There’s never a man can prayWho must not say—“To him I owe my thanksThat I may yet kneel down before my GodAnd not to bronze and wood and stone.”
She never saw in dreamHer House’s earliest sire, the mighty Judas,’Tis certain else she had no foeman shunned;For from his grave he still protects his childrenBecause he cannot die in any heart.How could he so? There’s never a man can prayWho must not say—“To him I owe my thanksThat I may yet kneel down before my GodAnd not to bronze and wood and stone.”
She never saw in dream
Her House’s earliest sire, the mighty Judas,
’Tis certain else she had no foeman shunned;
For from his grave he still protects his children
Because he cannot die in any heart.
How could he so? There’s never a man can pray
Who must not say—“To him I owe my thanks
That I may yet kneel down before my God
And not to bronze and wood and stone.”
Joseph(aside).
The KingWas in the right! The deed I must accomplish,And that on both, or else endure them both.I must emplant the crown upon my browIf I’d ensure it from the headsman’s axe.For here a world of hate stares in against me.Then good! Their sentence they’ve pronounced themselves.For the last time I’ve put the test on them.Were but his courier here, this very momentI’d bring it to a pitiless consummation.Each several preparation has been made.
The KingWas in the right! The deed I must accomplish,And that on both, or else endure them both.I must emplant the crown upon my browIf I’d ensure it from the headsman’s axe.For here a world of hate stares in against me.Then good! Their sentence they’ve pronounced themselves.For the last time I’ve put the test on them.Were but his courier here, this very momentI’d bring it to a pitiless consummation.Each several preparation has been made.
The KingWas in the right! The deed I must accomplish,And that on both, or else endure them both.I must emplant the crown upon my browIf I’d ensure it from the headsman’s axe.For here a world of hate stares in against me.Then good! Their sentence they’ve pronounced themselves.For the last time I’ve put the test on them.Were but his courier here, this very momentI’d bring it to a pitiless consummation.Each several preparation has been made.
The King
Was in the right! The deed I must accomplish,
And that on both, or else endure them both.
I must emplant the crown upon my brow
If I’d ensure it from the headsman’s axe.
For here a world of hate stares in against me.
Then good! Their sentence they’ve pronounced themselves.
For the last time I’ve put the test on them.
Were but his courier here, this very moment
I’d bring it to a pitiless consummation.
Each several preparation has been made.
The Same. Titus.Afterwards,Philo.
[Enter aServant.
Servant.
Titus the Captain craves an audience.
Titus the Captain craves an audience.
Titus the Captain craves an audience.
Titus the Captain craves an audience.
Joseph(about to go).
At once!
At once!
At once!
At once!
Alex.
And why not here?
And why not here?
And why not here?
And why not here?
Servant.
He’s here already
He’s here already
He’s here already
He’s here already
[EnterTitus.
Titus(in a whispered aside to Joseph).
What you have feared is come about; the folkRebels!
What you have feared is come about; the folkRebels!
What you have feared is come about; the folkRebels!
What you have feared is come about; the folk
Rebels!
Joseph.
Be quick then, do what I’ve commanded!Call out your cohort! Put it into action!
Be quick then, do what I’ve commanded!Call out your cohort! Put it into action!
Be quick then, do what I’ve commanded!Call out your cohort! Put it into action!
Be quick then, do what I’ve commanded!
Call out your cohort! Put it into action!
Titus.
Already done! And now I come to ask youWhether you wish for prisoners or dead.My eagle grips as thoroughly as he manglesAnd you must know which better serves your ends.
Already done! And now I come to ask youWhether you wish for prisoners or dead.My eagle grips as thoroughly as he manglesAnd you must know which better serves your ends.
Already done! And now I come to ask youWhether you wish for prisoners or dead.My eagle grips as thoroughly as he manglesAnd you must know which better serves your ends.
Already done! And now I come to ask you
Whether you wish for prisoners or dead.
My eagle grips as thoroughly as he mangles
And you must know which better serves your ends.
Joseph.
Blood must not flow.
Blood must not flow.
Blood must not flow.
Blood must not flow.
Titus.
Good. Then the hewing startsBefore they get their stoning well begun,Else I had done it later.
Good. Then the hewing startsBefore they get their stoning well begun,Else I had done it later.
Good. Then the hewing startsBefore they get their stoning well begun,Else I had done it later.
Good. Then the hewing starts
Before they get their stoning well begun,
Else I had done it later.
Joseph.
Saw you Sameas?
Saw you Sameas?
Saw you Sameas?
Saw you Sameas?
Titus.
The Pharisee who once had nearly blunderedHis head against my shield because his eyesHe always shuts as soon as e’er he spies me?I saw him sure enough!
The Pharisee who once had nearly blunderedHis head against my shield because his eyesHe always shuts as soon as e’er he spies me?I saw him sure enough!
The Pharisee who once had nearly blunderedHis head against my shield because his eyesHe always shuts as soon as e’er he spies me?I saw him sure enough!
The Pharisee who once had nearly blundered
His head against my shield because his eyes
He always shuts as soon as e’er he spies me?
I saw him sure enough!
Joseph.
And how? Speak loud!
And how? Speak loud!
And how? Speak loud!
And how? Speak loud!
Titus.
In the open market-place ringed round by thousandsAnd cursing Herod loudly.
In the open market-place ringed round by thousandsAnd cursing Herod loudly.
In the open market-place ringed round by thousandsAnd cursing Herod loudly.
In the open market-place ringed round by thousands
And cursing Herod loudly.
Joseph(toAlexandra).
SameasTook leave of you but one short hour ago.
SameasTook leave of you but one short hour ago.
SameasTook leave of you but one short hour ago.
Sameas
Took leave of you but one short hour ago.
Alex.
Saw you’t?
Saw you’t?
Saw you’t?
Saw you’t?
Titus(toJoseph).
You show yourself?
You show yourself?
You show yourself?
You show yourself?
Joseph.
Soon as I can.Meanwhile——
Soon as I can.Meanwhile——
Soon as I can.Meanwhile——
Soon as I can.
Meanwhile——
Titus.
’Tis good. I go. (About to go.)
’Tis good. I go. (About to go.)
’Tis good. I go. (About to go.)
’Tis good. I go. (About to go.)
Alex.
A word yet, Captain!Say why the guard’s recalled from us.
A word yet, Captain!Say why the guard’s recalled from us.
A word yet, Captain!Say why the guard’s recalled from us.
A word yet, Captain!
Say why the guard’s recalled from us.
Mar.
Is’t missing?
Is’t missing?
Is’t missing?
Is’t missing?
Alex.
Missing since yester-evening.
Missing since yester-evening.
Missing since yester-evening.
Missing since yester-evening.
Joseph.
Since I bade it.
Since I bade it.
Since I bade it.
Since I bade it.
Titus.
And since the King in leaving said to me—“Before you is the man who knows my will.What he commands, that I command myself!”
And since the King in leaving said to me—“Before you is the man who knows my will.What he commands, that I command myself!”
And since the King in leaving said to me—“Before you is the man who knows my will.What he commands, that I command myself!”
And since the King in leaving said to me—
“Before you is the man who knows my will.
What he commands, that I command myself!”
[Exit.
Alex.
(toJoseph). And you?
(toJoseph). And you?
(toJoseph). And you?
(toJoseph). And you?
Joseph.
I thought that Judas MaccabaeusWere guard enough for you and for your daughter.And, for the rest, you hear how matters standWithout. I need the soldiers. (Aside.) If the RomansWere near as this, I might have little luck.To-day I stationed Galileans.
I thought that Judas MaccabaeusWere guard enough for you and for your daughter.And, for the rest, you hear how matters standWithout. I need the soldiers. (Aside.) If the RomansWere near as this, I might have little luck.To-day I stationed Galileans.
I thought that Judas MaccabaeusWere guard enough for you and for your daughter.And, for the rest, you hear how matters standWithout. I need the soldiers. (Aside.) If the RomansWere near as this, I might have little luck.To-day I stationed Galileans.
I thought that Judas Maccabaeus
Were guard enough for you and for your daughter.
And, for the rest, you hear how matters stand
Without. I need the soldiers. (Aside.) If the Romans
Were near as this, I might have little luck.
To-day I stationed Galileans.
Alex.(toMariamne).
Think youThat my mistrust is groundless still?
Think youThat my mistrust is groundless still?
Think youThat my mistrust is groundless still?
Think you
That my mistrust is groundless still?
Mar.
I know not,But now its sting infects. I feel ’tis strange!And yet—If from the wall a javelin dartedIt had not tricked my expectation more.
I know not,But now its sting infects. I feel ’tis strange!And yet—If from the wall a javelin dartedIt had not tricked my expectation more.
I know not,But now its sting infects. I feel ’tis strange!And yet—If from the wall a javelin dartedIt had not tricked my expectation more.
I know not,
But now its sting infects. I feel ’tis strange!
And yet—If from the wall a javelin darted
It had not tricked my expectation more.
Alex.
Two thrusts, and then the throneward way is free:For when the Maccabeans are no moreThe turn comes round for the Herodians.
Two thrusts, and then the throneward way is free:For when the Maccabeans are no moreThe turn comes round for the Herodians.
Two thrusts, and then the throneward way is free:For when the Maccabeans are no moreThe turn comes round for the Herodians.
Two thrusts, and then the throneward way is free:
For when the Maccabeans are no more
The turn comes round for the Herodians.
Mar.
I’d laugh you yet to ridicule if onlyHis wife were not Salome. By my brotherHer head is mine! For I shall say to Herod,“As you avenge me on her so you love me!”For she—’tis she! never that fellow there!
I’d laugh you yet to ridicule if onlyHis wife were not Salome. By my brotherHer head is mine! For I shall say to Herod,“As you avenge me on her so you love me!”For she—’tis she! never that fellow there!
I’d laugh you yet to ridicule if onlyHis wife were not Salome. By my brotherHer head is mine! For I shall say to Herod,“As you avenge me on her so you love me!”For she—’tis she! never that fellow there!
I’d laugh you yet to ridicule if only
His wife were not Salome. By my brother
Her head is mine! For I shall say to Herod,
“As you avenge me on her so you love me!”
For she—’tis she! never that fellow there!
Alex.
Too early triumph! Our first call is actionAnd I’ve a notion we can use this outbreak.
Too early triumph! Our first call is actionAnd I’ve a notion we can use this outbreak.
Too early triumph! Our first call is actionAnd I’ve a notion we can use this outbreak.
Too early triumph! Our first call is action
And I’ve a notion we can use this outbreak.
Mar.
This outbreak! Nay. I wash my hands of it,Because, if Herod comes again, there’s naughtFor me to fear: and if he come no moreA death in any shape’s right opportune.
This outbreak! Nay. I wash my hands of it,Because, if Herod comes again, there’s naughtFor me to fear: and if he come no moreA death in any shape’s right opportune.
This outbreak! Nay. I wash my hands of it,Because, if Herod comes again, there’s naughtFor me to fear: and if he come no moreA death in any shape’s right opportune.
This outbreak! Nay. I wash my hands of it,
Because, if Herod comes again, there’s naught
For me to fear: and if he come no more
A death in any shape’s right opportune.
Alex.
I go.
I go.
I go.
I go.
[Turns to go.
Joseph(blocking her way).
Where?
Where?
Where?
Where?
Alex.
Firstly to the battlementsAnd then wherever it may please me go.
Firstly to the battlementsAnd then wherever it may please me go.
Firstly to the battlementsAnd then wherever it may please me go.
Firstly to the battlements
And then wherever it may please me go.
Joseph.
Your way is open to the battlements.The castle’s barred.
Your way is open to the battlements.The castle’s barred.
Your way is open to the battlements.The castle’s barred.
Your way is open to the battlements.
The castle’s barred.
Alex.
’Twould seem, then, we are prisoners?
’Twould seem, then, we are prisoners?
’Twould seem, then, we are prisoners?
’Twould seem, then, we are prisoners?
Joseph.
Only till peace may be restored, no longer.I must request——
Only till peace may be restored, no longer.I must request——
Only till peace may be restored, no longer.I must request——
Only till peace may be restored, no longer.
I must request——
Alex.
What brass effrontery’s this?
What brass effrontery’s this?
What brass effrontery’s this?
What brass effrontery’s this?
Joseph.
A stone is blind, a Roman javelin too;They often find a mark where they should not;’Twere therefore more discreet to give them room.
A stone is blind, a Roman javelin too;They often find a mark where they should not;’Twere therefore more discreet to give them room.
A stone is blind, a Roman javelin too;They often find a mark where they should not;’Twere therefore more discreet to give them room.
A stone is blind, a Roman javelin too;
They often find a mark where they should not;
’Twere therefore more discreet to give them room.
Alex.(toMariamne).
I’ll go aloft and try with signallingTo make our friends acquainted with our plight.
I’ll go aloft and try with signallingTo make our friends acquainted with our plight.
I’ll go aloft and try with signallingTo make our friends acquainted with our plight.
I’ll go aloft and try with signalling
To make our friends acquainted with our plight.
Mar.
By signalling—your friends—Oh, Mother, Mother!And so ’tis you at bottom, not the folk?See to’t the pit you dig trips not yourself.
By signalling—your friends—Oh, Mother, Mother!And so ’tis you at bottom, not the folk?See to’t the pit you dig trips not yourself.
By signalling—your friends—Oh, Mother, Mother!And so ’tis you at bottom, not the folk?See to’t the pit you dig trips not yourself.
By signalling—your friends—Oh, Mother, Mother!
And so ’tis you at bottom, not the folk?
See to’t the pit you dig trips not yourself.
[Alexandraturns to go.
Joseph.
You will permit my guardsman offer youHis escort. Philo!
You will permit my guardsman offer youHis escort. Philo!
You will permit my guardsman offer youHis escort. Philo!
You will permit my guardsman offer you
His escort. Philo!
Alex.
So ’tis open war?
So ’tis open war?
So ’tis open war?
So ’tis open war?
[EnterPhilo.Josephspeaks with him, at first softly, then aloud.
Joseph.
You understand?
You understand?
You understand?
You understand?
Philo.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Joseph.
I’ the worst event!
I’ the worst event!
I’ the worst event!
I’ the worst event!
Philo.
For that I’ll wait, then——
For that I’ll wait, then——
For that I’ll wait, then——
For that I’ll wait, then——
Joseph.
And your head’s my surety.(Aside.) Methinks the soul of Herod’s over me!
And your head’s my surety.(Aside.) Methinks the soul of Herod’s over me!
And your head’s my surety.(Aside.) Methinks the soul of Herod’s over me!
And your head’s my surety.
(Aside.) Methinks the soul of Herod’s over me!
Alex.
I go in his despite. Perhaps the soldier,Although a Galilean, may be won.I’ll try it!
I go in his despite. Perhaps the soldier,Although a Galilean, may be won.I’ll try it!
I go in his despite. Perhaps the soldier,Although a Galilean, may be won.I’ll try it!
I go in his despite. Perhaps the soldier,
Although a Galilean, may be won.
I’ll try it!
[Exit, followed byPhilo.
Joseph(aside).
I can do no otherwise,Howe’er it bring mistrust on me; the outbreakCompels me to this step; I dare not nowAllow her from my sight unless I makeThe dead impossible through my own folly,For every hour this courier may come.Himself I long have thought to see no more.
I can do no otherwise,Howe’er it bring mistrust on me; the outbreakCompels me to this step; I dare not nowAllow her from my sight unless I makeThe dead impossible through my own folly,For every hour this courier may come.Himself I long have thought to see no more.
I can do no otherwise,Howe’er it bring mistrust on me; the outbreakCompels me to this step; I dare not nowAllow her from my sight unless I makeThe dead impossible through my own folly,For every hour this courier may come.Himself I long have thought to see no more.
I can do no otherwise,
Howe’er it bring mistrust on me; the outbreak
Compels me to this step; I dare not now
Allow her from my sight unless I make
The dead impossible through my own folly,
For every hour this courier may come.
Himself I long have thought to see no more.
Mar.
Say, when died Herod?
Say, when died Herod?
Say, when died Herod?
Say, when died Herod?
Joseph.
When died he?
When died he?
When died he?
When died he?
Mar.
And how?You surely know it since you dare so much.
And how?You surely know it since you dare so much.
And how?You surely know it since you dare so much.
And how?
You surely know it since you dare so much.
Joseph.
What do I dare then? You propose me riddles.
What do I dare then? You propose me riddles.
What do I dare then? You propose me riddles.
What do I dare then? You propose me riddles.
Mar.
Naught, if you think I cannot find defenceSo soon as e’er the Romans think my lifeIs threatened; all, if you mistake therein.
Naught, if you think I cannot find defenceSo soon as e’er the Romans think my lifeIs threatened; all, if you mistake therein.
Naught, if you think I cannot find defenceSo soon as e’er the Romans think my lifeIs threatened; all, if you mistake therein.
Naught, if you think I cannot find defence
So soon as e’er the Romans think my life
Is threatened; all, if you mistake therein.
Joseph.
Who threatens then your life?
Who threatens then your life?
Who threatens then your life?
Who threatens then your life?
Mar.
You ask me still?You!
You ask me still?You!
You ask me still?You!
You ask me still?
You!
Joseph.
I?
I?
I?
I?
Mar.
And can you swear the contrary?Swear it upon your child’s head? You are silent!
And can you swear the contrary?Swear it upon your child’s head? You are silent!
And can you swear the contrary?Swear it upon your child’s head? You are silent!
And can you swear the contrary?
Swear it upon your child’s head? You are silent!
Joseph.
You have no right of challenge to the swearing.
You have no right of challenge to the swearing.
You have no right of challenge to the swearing.
You have no right of challenge to the swearing.
Mar.
Who hears such challenge gives it of himself,But woe to you if Herod comes again!I’ll say to him two things ere the first kiss,I’ll say to him that you devised my murder,I’ll say to him my oath; now gauge yourselfThe fate that gathers for you if he comes.
Who hears such challenge gives it of himself,But woe to you if Herod comes again!I’ll say to him two things ere the first kiss,I’ll say to him that you devised my murder,I’ll say to him my oath; now gauge yourselfThe fate that gathers for you if he comes.
Who hears such challenge gives it of himself,But woe to you if Herod comes again!I’ll say to him two things ere the first kiss,I’ll say to him that you devised my murder,I’ll say to him my oath; now gauge yourselfThe fate that gathers for you if he comes.
Who hears such challenge gives it of himself,
But woe to you if Herod comes again!
I’ll say to him two things ere the first kiss,
I’ll say to him that you devised my murder,
I’ll say to him my oath; now gauge yourself
The fate that gathers for you if he comes.
Joseph.
And what—what was the oath? If it bring horrorYet I must know it.
And what—what was the oath? If it bring horrorYet I must know it.
And what—what was the oath? If it bring horrorYet I must know it.
And what—what was the oath? If it bring horror
Yet I must know it.
Mar.
Hear it to your bane!That I with my own hand will kill myselfIf he—oh had I but forebodedthisI had not turned me with a cold good-bye,Nay, surely not! I would have kept the bearingI had begun, and all would now be well,For you at first were a far other man.
Hear it to your bane!That I with my own hand will kill myselfIf he—oh had I but forebodedthisI had not turned me with a cold good-bye,Nay, surely not! I would have kept the bearingI had begun, and all would now be well,For you at first were a far other man.
Hear it to your bane!That I with my own hand will kill myselfIf he—oh had I but forebodedthisI had not turned me with a cold good-bye,Nay, surely not! I would have kept the bearingI had begun, and all would now be well,For you at first were a far other man.
Hear it to your bane!
That I with my own hand will kill myself
If he—oh had I but forebodedthis
I had not turned me with a cold good-bye,
Nay, surely not! I would have kept the bearing
I had begun, and all would now be well,
For you at first were a far other man.
Joseph.
For me, I’ve naught to fear.
For me, I’ve naught to fear.
For me, I’ve naught to fear.
For me, I’ve naught to fear.
Mar.
Because you thinkIt is impossible that he return.Who knows? And if! I hold the oath I swore,But not till I avenge myself on you,Avenge me on you—hear the word and tremble!Sharp as he would avenge me. Come then, drawYour instant sword! You dare not? I believe you!And watch me close as e’er you can, I’ll findA certain way unto the Captain Titus.You lost your hazard when I pierced your husk.
Because you thinkIt is impossible that he return.Who knows? And if! I hold the oath I swore,But not till I avenge myself on you,Avenge me on you—hear the word and tremble!Sharp as he would avenge me. Come then, drawYour instant sword! You dare not? I believe you!And watch me close as e’er you can, I’ll findA certain way unto the Captain Titus.You lost your hazard when I pierced your husk.
Because you thinkIt is impossible that he return.Who knows? And if! I hold the oath I swore,But not till I avenge myself on you,Avenge me on you—hear the word and tremble!Sharp as he would avenge me. Come then, drawYour instant sword! You dare not? I believe you!And watch me close as e’er you can, I’ll findA certain way unto the Captain Titus.You lost your hazard when I pierced your husk.
Because you think
It is impossible that he return.
Who knows? And if! I hold the oath I swore,
But not till I avenge myself on you,
Avenge me on you—hear the word and tremble!
Sharp as he would avenge me. Come then, draw
Your instant sword! You dare not? I believe you!
And watch me close as e’er you can, I’ll find
A certain way unto the Captain Titus.
You lost your hazard when I pierced your husk.
Joseph(aside).
True, true! (ToMariamne.) I hold you to your word! You’d takeThe same, the very vengeance he would wreak;That vow you swore to me: forget it not.
True, true! (ToMariamne.) I hold you to your word! You’d takeThe same, the very vengeance he would wreak;That vow you swore to me: forget it not.
True, true! (ToMariamne.) I hold you to your word! You’d takeThe same, the very vengeance he would wreak;That vow you swore to me: forget it not.
True, true! (ToMariamne.) I hold you to your word! You’d take
The same, the very vengeance he would wreak;
That vow you swore to me: forget it not.
Mar.
So speaks a wandering wit. That Herod loves me,Yea, loves me more than I can love myself,There’s none can doubt; no, not Salome even,Your sinister-hearted wife, although she doubleJust for that cause her hate, and even althoughJust for that cause, and spurred by vengeful lust,She may have filled you with this murder-thought.And that it comes from her I know, and willPierce to her feeling nerve; her pain for youShall be my latest joy upon this earth.
So speaks a wandering wit. That Herod loves me,Yea, loves me more than I can love myself,There’s none can doubt; no, not Salome even,Your sinister-hearted wife, although she doubleJust for that cause her hate, and even althoughJust for that cause, and spurred by vengeful lust,She may have filled you with this murder-thought.And that it comes from her I know, and willPierce to her feeling nerve; her pain for youShall be my latest joy upon this earth.
So speaks a wandering wit. That Herod loves me,Yea, loves me more than I can love myself,There’s none can doubt; no, not Salome even,Your sinister-hearted wife, although she doubleJust for that cause her hate, and even althoughJust for that cause, and spurred by vengeful lust,She may have filled you with this murder-thought.And that it comes from her I know, and willPierce to her feeling nerve; her pain for youShall be my latest joy upon this earth.
So speaks a wandering wit. That Herod loves me,
Yea, loves me more than I can love myself,
There’s none can doubt; no, not Salome even,
Your sinister-hearted wife, although she double
Just for that cause her hate, and even although
Just for that cause, and spurred by vengeful lust,
She may have filled you with this murder-thought.
And that it comes from her I know, and will
Pierce to her feeling nerve; her pain for you
Shall be my latest joy upon this earth.
Joseph.