Yet if, perhaps, Himself this brother points his thoughts at murder, And if alone by breasting his advance, Nay, by outstripping, one could save his skin! (We speak here of the possible) and further, If, harmless in himself, he make a weapon In hands of foeman malleable, a weapon Whose bite must bring sure death unless its mark Shatter it well before it can be hurled (We speak here of the possible), and last If this same weapon threatened no sole head, Nay, but a whole Folk’s grand collective head And one for such a Folk imperative As is for any other trunk its head (We speak here of the possible), and yet In such a chain of chance I think the Sister, As wife from love she duly owes her husband, As daughter of her folk from holy bond, As Queen, from both, would have no choice but say:-- “What happened was the thing I dare not blame.” [_He clasps_ MARIAMNE’S _hand_. And if a Ruth be slow to catch my drift (How could she learn it at the gleaning hour?) The Maccabean daughter understands! In Jericho you could not give your kisses, You will be able in Jerusalem! [_He kisses her_. And if perchance the kiss bring after-grudging Then hear a reconcilement for us twain:-- I took it for a token of farewell And that farewell may be farewell eternal! MAR. Eternal! HEROD. Yes! Antony’s had me summoned But still I know not whether I return. MAR. You know not? HEROD. Since I know not how severe An accusation my--your mother’s lodged. [MARIAMNE _makes to speak_. That’s naught. I’ll bear it. But one thing alone I must learn from your lips. I say I must learn-- Whether and how I undertake defence. MAR. Whether---- HEROD.