The _Herodiad_ contains much finer poetry and more pathos than the preceding tragedies; much has been made of an apparently unpromising subject. The character of Herodias is one of those mixtures of good and ill, the one principle perpetually struggling with and overpowering the other, which are so well adapted to the purposes of the drama; with a powerful mind, disposed to virtue by the influence of early habits, she is under the dominion of a haughty and ambitious temper, excited by her absorbing passion for Herod, who possesses not half her strength of intellect. Zephora, the rightful spouse of the king, had been driven from the court to make room for her rival, who had also abandoned her own husband. Herodias, influenced by the remonstrances of John the Baptist, and the persuasions of the virtuous Anna, her friend and confidant, who had become a convert to christianity, is at one time induced to leave the court of Herod; and the queen Zephora, who comes to render herself a hostage for the security of Herod against her native tribes, is received by the king. Herodias, however, who had been insulted by the populace on quitting the palace, soon returns to dispute her place with Zephora, and at length, wrought to madness by jealousy and rage, stabs the unhappy queen, ordering one of the guards to conceal the body. She is now quite abandoned to the dominion of her passions, which hurry her to destruction. The conflict of emotions in her breast is evident throughout the play, yet it is skilfully managed. In the festival scene, where her daughter dances before the king, and pleases him so that he engages to grant whatever she shall ask, even to the half of his kingdom—the wretched queen is tortured by contending passions, which are inexplicable to the mind of Herod. She now craves music; now drives the singers from her presence with maniac execrations. With the Prophet her madness for a time is quelled; she submits to reproof from his lips, and condescends to vindicate herself. The following reply to his remonstrance against her desertion of her lawful husband, is characteristic. _Herodias_. Patience ’mid insults had I not? Who then Shall dare to say to me—“Thou should’st have urged Thy virtue further!” Is there one can measure His virtue for another, and declare It might have been extended—where it ceased? Is frail man infinite? The weary pilgrim, If—crossed innumerous steeps—at length to earth Prostrate he fall—brand ye his name with sloth? When his breath fails, say ye—“Yet other rocks Before thee hang!” With patience did I suffer! Endured the horrid chain—how long endured! And when at last within my bosom rose In all its sovereign and terrific power, HATE—and a desperate burning thirst impelled me To avenge my wrongs—with steel—if I gave not The blow, but rather chose to fly—was mine No virtue?—I alone know that it was! I—conscious of the ills endured—and conscious Of the bold heart God gave me!