Scene 5
Mariamne, Alexandra, who appear in the foreground.
Alex.
And so you’ll not take refuge with the Romans?
Mar.
With what intent?
Alex.
Why, to have life in safety.
Mar.
Life? Surely so. One must have that in safety,
For Pain would have no sting if robbed of that.
Alex.
Then give at least the hour its meed of right.
You give a feast; then show to all your friends
A face all festal-fair as is but meet.
Mar.
I am no pipe to play on and no candle,
Not made for sounding and not made for lighting.
Then take me as I am. No, do it not!
Drive me to have my own neck’s cleaver whetted—
What idle words! Drive me to share your joyance.
Soemus, come!
[Salome enters and advances towards her.