Sire, thou wouldst not understand me.
HEROD
So thou saidst before. Think of something new. Here in Galilee I am inclined to be mild and tolerant of goodness. I am told that thou hatest the Pharisees. I hate them too. I am told that thou hatest the priests. I love them not. I am told that thou hatest the Romans. I---- Say, why didst thou spare me?
JOHN
Sire, my heart failed me.
HEROD
Failed thee! Before me, whom thou callest "the little"! Art thou flattering me because I have loosened thee from thy chains?
JOHN
Thou hast not laid me in chains, and canst not loosen me from them.
HEROD