Scene 2
Herod alone.
Herod.
Now to’t, “and once again!” I’d almost said,
But there’s no end in prospect. I resemble
The Man i’ the Fable whom before, the lion,
Behind, the tiger gripped at; whom the eagles
With beak and claw were threatening imminent,
And who was standing on a snaky clump.
All’s one! I’ll make defence as best I can,
And fit each enemy with his own weapon.
Be this henceforth my law and ordinance.
What length it takes, it shall not fret my peace.
If but to the end I keep firm-planted feet
And nothing lose of what I’ve called my own,
Then let that end be on me when it will.