I thought that Judas Maccabaeus Were guard enough for you and for your daughter. And, for the rest, you hear how matters stand Without. I need the soldiers. (_Aside._) If the Romans Were near as this, I might have little luck. To-day I stationed Galileans. ALEX. (_to_ MARIAMNE). Think you That my mistrust is groundless still? MAR. I know not, But now its sting infects. I feel ’tis strange! And yet--If from the wall a javelin darted It had not tricked my expectation more. ALEX. Two thrusts, and then the throneward way is free: For when the Maccabeans are no more The turn comes round for the Herodians. MAR. I’d laugh you yet to ridicule if only His wife were not Salome. By my brother Her head is mine! For I shall say to Herod, “As you avenge me on her so you love me!” For she--’tis she! never that fellow there! ALEX. Too early triumph! Our first call is action And I’ve a notion we can use this outbreak. MAR. This outbreak! Nay. I wash my hands of it, Because, if Herod comes again, there’s naught For me to fear: and if he come no more A death in any shape’s right opportune. ALEX. I go. [_Turns to go._ JOSEPH (_blocking her way_). Where? ALEX. Firstly to the battlements And then wherever it may please me go. JOSEPH. Your way is open to the battlements. The castle’s barred. ALEX. ’Twould seem, then, we are prisoners? JOSEPH. Only till peace may be restored, no longer. I must request---- ALEX. What brass effrontery’s this? JOSEPH. A stone is blind, a Roman javelin too; They often find a mark where they should not; ’Twere therefore more discreet to give them room. ALEX. (_to_ MARIAMNE). I’ll go aloft and try with signalling To make our friends acquainted with our plight. MAR. By signalling--your friends--Oh, Mother, Mother! And so ’tis you at bottom, not the folk? See to’t the pit you dig trips not yourself. [ALEXANDRA _turns to go_. JOSEPH. You will permit my guardsman offer you His escort. Philo! ALEX. So ’tis open war? [_Enter_ PHILO. JOSEPH _speaks with him, at first softly, then aloud_. JOSEPH. You understand? PHILO. Yes. JOSEPH. I’ the worst event! PHILO. For that I’ll wait, then---- JOSEPH. And your head’s my surety. (_Aside._) Methinks the soul of Herod’s over me! ALEX. I go in his despite. Perhaps the soldier, Although a Galilean, may be won. I’ll try it! [_Exit, followed by_ PHILO. JOSEPH (_aside_).