Then Herod bursts forth in the following fine ranting speech:⁠[44]

[44] It compares very favourably with the “Coventry” play, where the ranting oversteps the mark and becomes balderdash.

Herod.

Sirs, advise ye what you sayen;

Such tidings make my heart unfayne;

I rede you take these words again,

For fear of villany.

There is none so great that me dare gain

To take my realm, and to attain

My power, but he shall have pain