If I obtain this service from those who listen to me, I will die almost without pain. And I<hr>
will say absolutely without regret to my dear children that I am making you exile from the<hr>
paternal house, for I do not doubt, as honorable as they may be, that they will attract your hatred as well<hr>
as I do. The complaints they will make of my death will constitute crimes against you: you will believe<hr>
that they will want your life by crying over the loss of mine. Alas, I already see them abused<hr>
by this slave who was your first wife, I see them subjected to the violent humor of your son<hr>
Antipater, to the slander of Salome, to the outrages of Pheroras and to your own cruelty. And perhaps-<hr>
the same executioners who will make me die will spread their blood, or rather finish<hr>
to shed that of my lineage. I already see you, unjust and cruel, at the end of so many murders. But<hr>
do not hope to peacefully enjoy the fruit of so many disastrous victories. You seek a rest that<hr>
you will not find. You will be your own accuser, your judge, and your executioner. The shadows<hr>
of so many kings from whom I am descended and whom you insult in my person will surround you from<hr>
all sides. Those of the vile Hyrcanus and young Aristobulus will trouble you all your life. You will see yourself<hr>
always covered with the blood of your children, and the image of Mariamne pursued by the executioners<hr>
waiting for her will always follow you step by step. You will always see her, whether you are awake, whether you<hr>
are sleeping, who will reproach you for your death. You will have in your heart repentance, shame, the<hr>
confusion, and despair. You will wish for death that you give to others, and your crimes<hr>
will then appear as great and authentic as they are, but you may have the<hr>
misfortune of regretting them without improving. And I do not doubt that after having violated all the rights<hr>
divine and human, they will also be violated for you. Yes, I already see the eldest of your children, because<hr>
mine will never be capable, want to give you this poison of which you unjustly accuse me<hr>
. I see all your ministers becoming your most cruel enemies. Salome, Pheroras, and<hr>
Antipater will be the most eager to harm you. I see you hated by all the people, detested by all the<hr>
princes, loathed by future generations. And perhaps you will even feel terrible,<hr>
perhaps after having shed all the blood of your race, despair will put a dagger<hr>
in your hand to rid the world of a dangerous enemy. But perhaps again you<hr>
will not be able to end it when you wish, and you will have the misfortune of suffering the tortures<hr>
waiting for you in the other world. This is, disloyal and cruel Herod, the prediction that is made to you in<hr>
dying unjustly by the unhappy Mariamne who, on this last day, looks at you more<hr>
as her tyrant, rather than as her king or husband.<hr>

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