What if instead of hiding the sinning woman from the people, thou, with head held aloft, repairest with her to the Temple? Would it not be an ironical event if the High Priest, with the same air of patriarchal servility with which he greeted the virtuous Mariamne, also smiled a welcome to thy brother's runaway wife?
HEROD
With what sum hast thou purchased this?
HERODIAS
When it is given, it will be a present, not a purchase.
HEROD
Only one who knows not these butchers of the High Altar could believe you.
HERODIAS
Well, these are the terms [in a low voice]. If we were to promise never again to aspire in Rome to the sceptre of Judea [scoffingly], then they might consider----
HEROD