Here however are all the testimonies of kindness that I have granted to him: no one<hr>
claims that we had a special relationship, no one says that he often visited my room, and finally, I did nothing more for him than his most cruel enemy would have done had she been in the same situation. Certainly, I would have poorly rewarded him had I acted in such a way. You also affirm that hatred and revenge pushed me to gratify Joseph after knowing your intent. But know this, great souls take others as examples and do not make the same mistakes. The crimes of others inspire in them such horror that they are never more firmly attached to good than when they witness evil. And for my part, I believe that I would have been less innocent had you been less unjust.<hr>
Finally, if Mariamne, descended from so many kings, had wanted to give her affection to someone, it would not have been to Salome's husband or to Herod's favourite. And if she had been able to punish the crimes of others, she would not have caused the death of the one she would have thought to preserve.<hr>
You know all too well my astonishment when, after my discourse, I understood from your response that it was true. I was so surprised that I almost lost my ability to speak. However, I did not anticipate the accusation weighing on me today. The mere knowledge of your crime and the innocence of Joseph, whom I exposed to your cruelty, are the cause of all my pain.<hr>
Since then, Salome, taking advantage of this occasion to make me disappear, as she has been plotting for a long time, no doubt convinced you that I wanted to have you murdered.<hr>
      And here is the only crime for which a witness stands against me. But he is here more to justify than to convince. How much credibility can be given to the fact that, for a project of such magnitude, I would have confided in a man of such low condition? Have I the habit of conversing with people like this? How did he come to be in my apartment? Is he from my family or a relative of one of my officers? Where did I speak with him? How did I bribe him to denounce the jewels I gave him, to exhibit the money he received for such a grand project? For it is unreasonable to think that he would have risked his life on a mere hope. This witness, or rather this unknown man, may answer that, having no intention of carrying out this action and instead wanting to warn you, he did not consider a reward. But I reply to this imposter that in order not to give me any reason to suspect him, he should have accepted everything I offered him as proof of my conspiracy. But not even having mentioned it and being unable to show it, for no payment exists, this is a compelling and overwhelming indication of his lie. Indeed, money can motivate mercenaries and weak souls to do evil deeds, while dignified and admirable people find their motivation from dreams and hopes. Mercenaries need to be attracted by the sight of a certain reward, otherwise such a person is worthless. Your reign should have given you many examples to prove what I say. If it is true that no ties can be proved between myself, my kin, and this man, it is not the same for Salome, your sister and my enemy. I<hr>
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