Had you but known the man as I, you never
Would stand there so composed, so unperturbed
As I stand here; you would be foaming, gnashing,
And raving. (To Mariamne.) Woman, what were you about
To lure so good a man so far? Salome,
So you were right! I must be washing, washing—
Blood here! I institute an inquisition!
You’re silent? Case you still in haughty challenge?
And I know why. You have not yet forgotten
What once you were to me. I’d rip more lightly