That you’re fast In faith on such an outcome, and that Herod Is ranked by you with death, is clear enough, Else had you never dared what you have dared. Ay, and the shudder takes me, I confess it, At your calm certainty. You are no fool And without ground would never dare so much. But, howsoe’er it be, this thing is true-- I’m still alive, and I, yes I, shall show you That I am skilled to render him obedience Even in his death; there’s not a sole command That he has given shall not be executed. Such be the Dead Man’s sacrifice. SOEMUS. Not one? I doubt it, Queen! (_Aside._) Now let the blow come down! MAR. As true as I am Maccabee you send This Sameas again into his dungeon. SOEMUS. If such your will demand, ’tis done; and if You will yet more, if he shall die the death The King had threatened, speak and he is dead. But now vouchsafe a question of your grace-- Shall I take you, that thus the sacrifice You think to yield be full and blemishless, Shall I take you and pierce you with a sword-thrust? For such injunction too I have from him. MAR. Woe! ALEX. Nevermore! MAR. And so the end is come! And what an end! One that its own beginning Engulfs with all beside. The time that’s past, The time to come, dissolve to naught in me. Naught I have had and naught I have and naught I shall have. Oh, was mortal e’er so poor? ALEX. Whatever misdeed hatched and wrought by Herod You told me, every several one I’d credit, But this---- MAR. Misdoubt it not, ’tis fixed and sure. ALEX. You say’t yourself? MAR. O God, I know wherefore! ALEX. Then must you know the deed before you! MAR. Ay! [_She thrusts the dagger at herself._ ALEX. (_preventing her_). Mad fool! Is this his due? Is it his due? That you should play the butcher on yourself? MAR. A topsy-turvy freak! My thanks! This office He’d chosen for himself. (_Throws the dagger away._) Tempter, begone! ALEX. You’ll seek a refuge under Rome’s protection! MAR. On none who has a thing at heart to do I’ll put the hindrance. I myself, I give A feast to-night. ALEX. A feast? MAR. And there I dance----[14] Yes, yes, that is the way! ALEX. To gain what end? MAR. Hey, servants! [_Enter_ MOSES _and_ SERVANTS.